A major step forward for business tourism in Istria - Poreč is set to open the region’s largest convention centre
A new step has been taken towards the long-awaited convention centre in Novi Zagreb. The City of Zagreb has launched a public consultation on the proposed Decision on the implementation of the Zagreb Fair – East city project, formally initiating the development procedure for the site where the convention centre and related facilities will be built. Once the City Assembly adopts the Decision, the next steps will include the preparation of an urban planning and architectural competition, followed by the drafting of a zoning and development plan for the site.
The project covers an area of around seven hectares in a highly attractive city location, bounded by Većeslav Holjevac Avenue, the Zagreb Fair complex, Joszef Antall Street and Dubrovnik Avenue.
“Just as we resolved the long-standing property issues that had for decades blocked key projects such as Maksimir and the Blato hospital, we have also resolved the property dispute at the Zagreb Fair – East site. Once the land was fully transferred into the ownership of the city-owned company Zagreb Fair, we began developing the project and preparing the investment in the convention centre. A modern convention centre will bring conference and business tourism development to Zagreb, further strengthen the city’s tourism potential and, I believe, improve the overall business environment in Zagreb. No less importantly, we are also planning a new city theatre, as well as a hotel, office building and garage on the site,” said the Mayor of Zagreb, Tomislav Tomašević.
These planned elements will be further defined in the programme for the urban planning and architectural competition, which will serve as the basis for the zoning plan. As part of the project preparation, the City has already completed a study on the development purpose of the convention centre and accompanying commercial facilities, as well as a study of spatial capacity for cultural uses.
“We believe this is exactly the right location for the convention centre, here on the city’s central axis next to the Zagreb Fair, thanks to its excellent transport connections, strong public transport coverage, proximity to the airport and easy access from the ring road. It is also an excellent solution from the perspective of security measures required for visits by foreign officials and VIP delegations. In any case, this is a project of exceptional importance through which we will not only create a new urban centre, but genuinely improve Zagreb’s image on the European map of business tourism destinations,” Mayor Tomašević added.
The location shown is illustrative, as the programme for the architectural and urban planning competition will define the content and floor areas in detail, while the final spatial layout will be determined through the competition itself.
The Decision on the implementation of the city project will remain open for public consultation for 30 days, and the City expects it to be placed on the City Assembly agenda in March.
A multifunctional complex with convention, cultural and business uses
The project goes beyond the convention centre alone and includes a broader urban transformation of the site. The following facilities are planned:
Details will be defined through the urban planning and architectural competition programme, while the winning design will serve as the basis for the zoning plan and further project development.
The project goals include the revitalisation of underused land, the creation of a representative entrance to the Zagreb Fair complex, improved transport accessibility, and the development of sustainable solutions supported by high-quality public spaces. Particular emphasis is being placed on accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport, as well as on the potential for taller buildings while preserving views along the city’s central axis.
Clearly defined next steps
According to the draft Decision on the implementation of the Zagreb Fair – East city project, the next steps after adoption will be as follows:
Funding for the project has been planned in the City budget for the period from 2026 to 2028. The project has also been identified as a strategic priority in the City’s development documents, confirming its importance for Zagreb’s economic development and international visibility.
The full draft Decision can be downloaded here: Draft Decision on the implementation of the Zagreb Fair – East city project.
The City invites citizens and experts to take part
The public consultation runs from 23 February to 24 March 2026, and the City is inviting citizens, professionals and the wider interested public to get involved and submit their proposals. Participants are asked to provide basic information about themselves or the organisation they represent, describe the interests they are presenting, outline their general comments and proposals with explanations, and include any remarks on specific articles of the decision, together with contact details and the date of submission.
The submission form can be downloaded here: Velesajam East consultation form.
Once the consultation period has ended, all submitted comments will be published publicly, while anonymous and inappropriate submissions will not be taken into consideration.
Public participation represents an important step in shaping a project that is expected to define a new urban centre for Novi Zagreb and, in the long term, strengthen the city’s position on the European business tourism map.
