The authorities of HNK Rijeka have unveiled plans for the construction of a new multifunctional complex as part of the long-term project "Return to Kantrida." The project includes a renovated football stadium, a hotel, and three skyscrapers, with a total cost exceeding €100 million.

Return to Kantrida

The new complex will be situated on the site of the Kantrida stadium, built in 1913. Until 2015, the HNK Rijeka team played their home games at the stadium, which can accommodate just over 10,000 people. After the team moved to Rujevica Stadium, Kantrida occasionally hosted matches for teams from lower Croatian leagues. The stadium is named after the Kantrida district, located between steep cliffs, remnants of an old quarry, and the Adriatic Sea shoreline.

The project creators have committed to preserving the coastline and the quarry's appearance, leading to the implementation of complex solutions, such as constructing a kilometer-long channel, 2 meters wide and 4 meters high, to direct collected water straight into the sea. This large but solvable technical problem will cost several million euros.

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Like a ship on the Adriatic

The new Kantrida stadium will be located on the coast but rotated 90 degrees from the previously proposed location, facing north-south. The facility is designed to accommodate 12,000 to 14,000 spectators and will meet UEFA's fourth-category standards, allowing it to host national team matches and Champions League games. Illuminated at night with HNK Rijeka's colors, the stadium is intended to resemble a ship with oars and an emphasised bow.

The project also involves the construction of a four-star hotel with around 200 rooms, offering a sea view. The complex will include three skyscrapers directly connected to the hotel, reaching 35 floors and a height of 116 meters. The incorporation of these commercial elements aims to generate profit for the investor, who will, in turn, build the stadium and hand it over to the city. Rijeka Mayor Marko Filipović said, Everyone knows about the ambitious and bold idea of returning to Kantrida. I wish the investors much success on the incredibly challenging journey that awaits them.

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Exact cost not yet known

The project presented to the city is supported by a consortium of six firms from Croatia, Luxembourg, and the United Kingdom. The total construction cost of the complex is estimated to be between €100 million and €150 million. It is expected that work on the project could commence by the end of 2025, with the facilities being completed and operational no later than 4 years thereafter.

HNK Rijeka President Damir Mišković remarked, When we moved to the Rujevica Stadium, we promised that it was temporary and that we would return to Kantrida. What we envision is achievable, interesting, and original.

© ZDL arhitekt

© ZDL arhitekt

© ZDL arhitekt