Vjesnik complex to be cleared by mid-July, construction to follow

Hina - The Vjesnik complex in Zagreb will be fully demolished and the site cleared by mid-July, after which the ministry will launch an architectural competition for the future development of the site, Physical Planning, Construction and State Assets Minister Branko Bačić said on Thursday.

Bačić said demolition of the fire-damaged Vjesnik complex was nearing completion, with only part of the first floor remaining to be removed. The structure had been used as a platform for machinery during demolition of the upper levels.

He said that section would be removed during the day, but that the process would not be complete until all construction material had been separated, removed from the site and the area restored in line with the project plan.

Speaking during a working visit to Novska, Bačić said the ministry faced two key tasks: acquiring the remaining co-ownership stakes in the Vjesnik complex and launching a public architectural competition for the future development of the site.

"The ministry will soon launch a public architectural competition to select the most suitable design for the future building or buildings on the Vjesnik site," he said.

He added that the aim was to begin the process of constructing new facilities immediately after demolition works and site clearance are completed.

Discussing the handling of demolition waste, Bačić said around 700,000 tonnes of construction material had been generated and was being sorted on site. About 470 tonnes of asbestos-containing material had been separated and transported to a designated disposal facility in Virovitica, while the remaining material would either be disposed of or reused as construction material.

Under the contract between the ministry and the contractor, demolition of the Vjesnik complex and site clearance are due to be completed by mid-July.

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