Work is fast proceeding on the construction of the "Rijeka WTC" in the Croatian port city of Rijeka. Below are a couple of construction pictures and some information.
The Rijeka WTC is a large shopping centre which includes a 15 level office building. The total size of the retail area is 140,000 sqm over 5 levels making it one of the largest complexes in that part of Europe. Already nearly 50% of the area has been purchased or leased.
The complex is set to be completed in the first half of 2006 and so far 3 underground levels have been completed and the first 2 levels of the office tower. Once complete it will create 1300 new jobs. There are also a number of other important projects underway in Rijeka.
"WTC Shopping Centre Rijeka" Growing
Rijeka, 2nd September 2004
The multipurpose trade centre “WTC Shopping Centre Rijeka”, with the total covered surface area of 140,000 m2, planned to be opened in the first half of the year 2006, is becoming reality. Numerous journalists could see for themselves when they accompanied Rijeka mayor Vojko Obersnel and members of the City Administration in their visit to this large building site.
The “WTC Shopping Centre Rijeka” project manager Sergio Innocenti pointed out that it is going to be one of the most beautiful, most modern and most functional of the multipurpose trade centres, not only in Croatia, but Europe as well. For its realisation, an investment of round 150m Euros has been envisaged, while it will employ round 1,300 people once it has become completed.
The building of such a demanding object has become possible due to the seriousness of the investor Policentro Rijeka d.o.o., but also due to the good cooperation with local authorities, first of all the mayor, who, since the very beginning, has had trust in this project, despite all the problems that accompanied its realisation, emphasised Innocenti.
Three underground floor levels have been built, as well as the first two floor levels of the business tower. The future ground floor, the location for a large supermarket, is just being built. Almost 43% of the trade area have already been sold or leased on a long term, particularly larger trade areas, while the final internal arrangement of the business tower will depend on future buyers, with whom negotiations are still being held. Although housing facilities have not been envisaged in the business tower, there have been enquiries for the purchase of flats, in case there is such a possibility. This is something still to be pondered upon, clarified Innocenti. Therefore, the internal arrangement will depend on the sale of the space. Negotiations with Italian companies that already have are planning to open their representations in Rijeka, namely, Croatia, are also underway.
Policentro d.o.o. Rijeka, in the majority ownership of “Policentro S.p.a.” from Italy, company that specialises in building important multipurpose trade centres in Italy and abroad, is the investor. Rizzani de Eccher S.p.a., from Udine in Italy, is in charge of carrying out the construction works. Through its Croatian branch, Rizzani de Eccher d.o.o., they outsourced the building of the foundations to the GP Krk d.d., while Montmontaža d.d. took over the construction works. December 2005 is the scheduled time of completion, while the opening of the Centre is envisaged for the first half of the year 2006.
Mayor Obersnel expressed his satisfaction with the dynamics of construction works, namely, the WTC Rijeka completion by 2006. This biggest single investment in the city will provide new facilities, a new quality of services and new standards, and, what is most important is that the Trade Centre will employ 1,300 people, pointed out Obersnel.
The participation of the city in the project realisation consists in the building of the roundabout. The making of its project documentation is underway, while its realisation follows in the year 2005. All the project documentation for the building of tunnel connections to the future road D-404, the construction of which will coincide with the building of WTC Rijeka, has been completed. The City of Rijeka owns about 9% of the WTC Company Rijeka and, according to the Agreement, this part ownership will be refunded to the city upon the completion of the construction works.
The first four floor levels will locate round hundred and sixty smaller or larger shops as well as nine large trade spaces of more than 1,000 m2, among which also a hypermarket of over 8,000 m2.
The fifth floor level is intended for entertainment and leisure facilities, being planned for 10 multiplex cinemas, restaurants, fitness clubs and other entertainment and sports facilities.
Besides the underground car parks, seven above the ground car parks will be built, situated sideways from the trade floor levels, with a total of round 64,000 m2 of car park surface area and 2,150 parking places for cars.
The complex also envisages a fifteen-floor business tower, with offices, congress and conference halls, suitable for holding different manifestations. The Centre will be within easy reach by car or public transport. In order to improve the traffic flow, a one-way road will be built around the whole of the complex, thus enabling a fast and undisturbed car traffic and an easier reach of the car parks on all of the floor levels.
Incoming and outgoing tunnel connections to the fast road D-404 have also been planned.
Rijeka realy deserves it.
