New Belgrade residents protest 125-meter skyscraper plan

Residents of Block 32 in New Belgrade are mobilizing to oppose proposed changes to the urban plan that would allow for the construction of a 125-meter-tall skyscraper on the current site of Alta Bank. The planned structure, which would be ten times larger than the existing building, is slated to house casinos and hotels.

The residents plan to submit objections to the amendments, which they argue will not enhance the quality of life in the area. They point out that the current corner location at the intersection of Bulevar umetnosti and Bulevar Zorana Đinđina is already a well-maintained green space that benefits all passersby. The residents also expressed concern that the new building's scale, estimated at 65,000 square meters, will not harmonize with the existing structures.

Further complicating matters, the plan also affects the sites of EPS and PIO Fond buildings. The PIO Fond building recently underwent a lengthy and costly reconstruction, which residents recall was controversial and rumored to involve corruption. During that reconstruction, citizens of New Belgrade had to travel to Dorćol for PIO services.

The architectural studio behind the proposed changes, "Bureau cube partners doo," previously altered the plan for Block 32 several years ago, drawing similar complaints from residents. Now, they are proposing an even larger development, which residents fear will significantly reduce the already limited green space to just 10 percent of the total area.