Croatia Completes Vjesnik Demolition, Plans New Public Buildings

The demolition of the Vjesnik skyscraper in Croatia has concluded, marking the end of an era for the prominent building. Minister Bačić confirmed the completion of the demolition works and the signing of the handover protocol between the contractor and the Ministry. The next step involves discussions with other co-owners to enable the Republic of Croatia to gain complete ownership of the entire complex.

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After the demolition of Vjesnik, the next step is to talk with the other co-owners so that the Republic of Croatia fully takes over ownership of the entire complex.

Following the acquisition of full ownership, an architectural competition will be launched to design new structures for the Vjesnik site. These future buildings are intended for public and social purposes, potentially housing state administration bodies, ministries, and agencies, with possibilities for other planned uses. Minister Bačić emphasized the importance of selecting a high-quality design that will contribute positively to the cityscape, particularly at the southern entrance to the city.

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In parallel, an architectural competition will be held for the future solution of the object or objects we will build on the Vjesnik site for public-social purposes, primarily for the needs of state administration, ministries, agencies, and other bodies, and perhaps other purposes that we will plan there.

In parallel, the government is advancing its affordable housing rental program. Minister Bačić reported that approximately 1,000 citizens responded to a public call, offering vacant residential spaces. After an initial review, 295 properties were identified as immediately available, with expectations to realize 500 by year-end. He provided examples of significant monthly savings for tenants under this program. For instance, a couple with an income of around 2,000 euros will pay 480 euros for a 50-square-meter apartment in Zagreb, saving about 220 euros monthly. Similarly, a family of five in Dubrovnik will pay 260 euros for an 85-square-meter house, saving 1,000 euros per month. The state is also constructing 1,300 new apartments through APN and the relevant ministry, slated for completion in 2027 and 2028.

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Approximately 220 euros is their monthly saving. Just today, APN has prepared the same contract in the city of Dubrovnik on the location Gruž, where an 85-square-meter family house is involved. The rent with the owner of the apartment has been contracted for 1300 euros per month, and a family of five will move into this family house paying only 260 euros. So, this family in the city of Dubrovnik will save 1000 euros on a monthly basis.