Construction, Transport And Infrastructure 2023

GORAN VESIĆ, MINISTER OF CONSTRUCTION, TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURE

Nothing Will Stop Us

We want construction to continue at full steam in Serbia, for investors and citizens to be protected, deadlines for obtaining permits shortened, procedures made more efficient and the possibility of arbitrariness reduced

Important legislative amendments that should lead to the further development of the construction sector will soon enter the parliamentary procedure. These are the amendments to the Law on Planning and Construction, which is in principle a good law, but the time has come to innovate it to be even more efficient, says Serbian Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure Goran Vesić. “It’s important that we maintain a high level of construction activities, which “fell” by around 10 per cent last year due to the crisis,” explains our interlocutor.

The amendments to this law are essentially aimed at ensuring greater transparency, introducing order and accelerating the adoption of green construction practises. Conditions for holders of public authority will in future be issued through the e-prostor [e-space] digital platform, rather than being issued in paper format. Clear deadlines will be included, and the holders of public authority won’t be able to change the conditions during the procedure for issuing a construction permit. Investors will have to secure an insurance policy prior to registering works, in order for any injured party to be able to receive compensation in the event of an accident, and investors will also have to provide proof of the steps to dispose of construction waste prior to obtaining building permits, in order to avoid the creation of wild dumpsites.

“We will stimulate green construction, and every public facility and other building covering an area greater than ten thousand square metres will have to possess a green construction certificate. We are also introducing an obligation for a certain number of parking spaces in new buildings to have an electric vehicle charger. Investors who build ecologically will pay reduced contributions for construction land,” explains Minister Vesić.

DETERMINATION TRANSITION DEVELOPMENT

We haven’t given up on any project, and nor will we. And we are serious in our intentions to complete all projects according to plan and to launch new ones

The proposed abolishing of the conversion of construction land and associated fee has again been met with stormy reactions in the country. What are your reasons for advocating in favour of this position?

No country in Eastern Europe has a conversion institute. The cancelling of conversion will not harm the state in any way, because 90 per cent of conversions have been done without fees since 2011. On the contrary, following the abolition of that institute, the state will earn more, through the collection of fees for construction land contributions, the price per square metre, real estate turnover, the employing of people and the payment of taxes. That’s why I don’t understand the remarks claiming that cancelling conversion will cause the state to lose billions of euros in fees, because that is completely false.

Statistics show that, in the 13 years since the 2009 adoption of the law, the Serbian budget has received only 31 million euros on the basis of land conversion charges, while we’ve lost thousands of jobs. Local governments have lost out on hundreds of millions of euros through construction land contributions, which have not been collected, as well as through unpaid property taxes. So, we’ve lost much more than we’ve gained. If it were possible to collect those land conversion fee billions that the state has allegedly been deprived of, they would have been collected by now, and cities and municipalities wouldn’t have lost out on hundreds of millions of euros.

Under the scope of its obligations related to environmental protection and harmonisation with the European Union in the area of the Green Deal, Serbia has taken on a number of obligations to advance this area. Which parts impact your sector and how will they be addressed through proposed legal amendments?

The main targets defined by the Green Deal relate to greenhouse gas emissions,

It is estimated that approximately 15.7 million passengers and 87.92 million tons of goods in Serbia will switch from road traffic to rail by 2030, which will contribute to protecting the environment

and the most important target is to reduce emissions of those gases in the EU by 50-55 per cent by 2030, i.e., for the EU to become climate neutral by 2050. Considering that the transport sector has a major impact on the environment, this area is recognised as an important issue to which attention needs to be paid. Serbia is not an EU member state, but this framework relates to us massively. I will remind you that in October 2020, at the Berlin Process summit in Sofia, the governments of the six countries of the Western Balkans committed themselves to implementing the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, as a tangible plan to extend the Green Deal to Southeast Europe.

A total of 134.7 kilometres of new railways have been built in Serbia since 2012, with 754.9 kilometres of railways reconstructed, while at present 156.8 kilometres are under construction or reconstruction.

Serbia is working to improve the area of rail transport significantly. In order to further reduce emissions of harmful gases, railway infrastructure projects also imply the electrification of rail lines that have not yet been electrified, such as the Niš-Dimitrovgrad or Belgrade Centre-Vršac lines. Likewise, we are strengthening capacities linked to combined transport, and we’re doing so through investments in the construction and reconstruction of intermodal terminals, but also by strengthening the capacities of companies with operations related to combined transport, and all in order for us to be able to transfer “goods flows” from roads to railways. It is estimated that about 15.7 million passengers and approximately 87.92 million tons of goods in Serbia will switch from road traffic to rail by 2030, which will contribute to protecting the environment.

All the corridors that we are building should enable the easier and faster flow of people, goods and services, which is crucial to the further economic growth of all countries of the region

Furthermore, we are working on the establishment of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) and the implementation of TSIs (Technical Specifications interoperability), in order to provide for automation and facilitate traffic management along the main corridors connecting Serbia with the countries of the region and further with the EU countries. However, first and foremost, Belgrade and Novi Sad have been connected via the country’s first high-speed railway, which will be extended northwards to Subotica and Budapest, and southwards to Niš.

You took over the post of construction minister at a time when many countries, including ours, need to solve the problem of fiscal stabilisation and stimulate economic growth due to the global crisis. How does this situation reflect on the plans of your ministry?

We haven’t given up on any project, and nor will we. And we are serious in our intentions to complete all projects according to plan and to launch new ones. First of all, the 18-kilometre-long section of the Moravian Corridor from Pojat to Makrešan will be completed on 31st March, while the 28-kilometre-long section to Koševi will be completed by the end of September, which means that Kruševac will have a direct connection to the highway before the end of the year. Works are also being implemented on other sections, to Adran and between Čačak and Kraljevo. The section to Adran, which means connecting Kraljevo with the highway, will be completed in the first quarter of 2024, with the last section – between Koševi and Vrba near Kraljevo – to be completed in 2025.

We will also open the Surčin-New Belgrade section to traffic by the end of March. This section is eight kilometres long and represents the closest connection of that part of the city to Miloš the Great Motorway. The Belgrade Bypass to Bubanj Potok will be

INTERVIEW

finalised on 1st June, and we will continue building the bypass all the way to Pančevo. Design works are underway and we will build a road-rail bridge over the Danube, near Ada Huja, to Pančevo. Final works are also being completed on the Iverak-Lajkovac expressway, which will connect Valjevo to Miloš the Great Motorway.

The motorway section from Pakovraće to Požega will be completed by the end of this year. The Ruma-Šabac section that forms part of the Ruma-Šabac-Loznica expressway, is being constructed and will be completed by August or early September, and this year will also see the completion of works on the Kuzmin-Sremska Rača section, together with a bridge over the Sava linking to Republika Srpska. Agreement is being reached on the part from the bypass in Kragujevac, via the road towards Mrčajevci and connection with the Moravian Corridor.

We are also working on expressways in the east, from the motorway at Požarevac and further onwards to Veliko Gradište, Golubac. The 70-kilometre-long Požarevac-Golubac section is being constructed without interruption, while work will continue on the project design for the Danube national road, as a tender has been announced for the design of that section. Works are also being carried out on the Niš-Merdare motorway, along the 33-kilometre-long section from Niš to Pločnik.

We will launch works this year on the construction of the motorway between Bački Breg and Nakov, which will connect the border with Hungary and the border with Romania. We should start building the Belgrade-Zrenjanin-Novi Sad expressway next year. We will also build a new Novi Pazar-Kraljevo expressway, covering a distance of 103 kilometres. Works are also massively underway on the construction of the Fruška Gora Corridor, which includes the longest tunnel in Serbia (Iriški Venac Tunnel), at 3.6 kilometres long.

When it comes to transport, Serbia forms part of the European transport corridors. How does inclusion in this network impact our choice of construction and connection priorities within the Western Balkans?

Regional connectivity is among Serbia’s priorities. Our country lies on the European

We have 5,000 “captured” locations that would be freed by the abolishing of land conversion provisions, finally making it possible to build on them. Everyone who deals with the GDP and investments in Serbia responsibly knows how important this is

corridors, and that’s why it’s important for us to be in full harmony with the EU, which treats us almost like an EU member in the area of transport. In the European Union, during my recent visit to Brussels, our proposal that the EU assist us in the project to reconstruct 588 kilometres of regional railways, which need to be completely reconstructed and electrified, was well received. These routes include the railway connecting Serbia and Romania, one heading from Belgrade to Pančevo and Vršac, and another other to Romania, via Belgrade, Zrenjanin and Kikinda, then the Vrbas-Sombor route and the railway that leads to Bosut on the border with Bosnia-Herzegovina. And then also the one from Kraljevo to Kosovo.

When it comes to road links, we are building motorways with the precise purpose of improving regional connectivity in the Western Balkans, including the Motorway of Peace [auto-put Mira], which should connect Niš to the Albanian coast via Priština. Then there’s the Kuzmin-Sremska Rača expressway heading towards Bijeljina in Republika Srpska, and from there Bosnia-Herzegovina will further construct the route to Sarajevo. Moreover, upon completion of the Preljina-Požega section of the motorway, we will continue building two motorways from Požega: one to Kotroman, Višegrad and Republika Srpska; and the other to Duga Poljana and Boljare, i.e., to the border with Montenegro.

These corridors should all enable the easier and faster flow of people, goods and services, which is crucial to the further economic growth of all countries of the region. Apart from that, we are completing the intermodal terminal in Batajnica, while we are also building another one the same in Makiš, as a road-rail hub where goods will be transferred from one mode of transport to another, which will make Belgrade and Serbia a real “transport hub” in this part of Europe. And this means that there will be ever-more work for all people engaged in the field of traffic and transport.

The infrastructure projects implemented in Serbia over recent years have proved to be the most complex and demanding investments in the construction industry. At the centre of attention have very often been excavations, construction works, weight-bearing and finishing layers. In the past, the topic of professional tunnel drainage, highway and bridge drainage, as well as the treatment of water from these surfaces, has been considered a secondary priority.

However, serious accidents that occurred in several European tunnels during the 1990s led to the 2004 proclamation of the European Parliament Directive on minimum safety requirements for tunnels in the trans-European road network.

Since then, more attention has been given to professional systems for the drainage and treatment of water in highway projects, from design to the construction phase. The danger of fire in tunnels, and the grave consequences it can have on human lives, is linked directly to the efficiency of tunnels’ internal drainage systems.

Looking back, without existing local regulations, it was quite a challenge to create modern and functional solutions that are fully compliant with the new safety requirements at the European level.

ACO, as the leading global producer of system solutions in the area of water management, had already amassed substantial experience in a large number of infrastructure projects worldwide and was able to offer expertise that proved extremely useful in the initial development of new Serbian highway network routes.

ACO, as the leading global producer of system solutions in the area of water management, had already amassed substantial experience in a large number of infrastructure projects worldwide and was able to offer expertise that proved extremely useful in the initial development of new Serbian highway network routes

The first designs with professional drainage and water treatment systems were developed back in 2008. The first implementations, however, only came several years later, in 2014.

During that time, ACO’s local experts worked closely with designers and construction companies to clear all the necessary details, requirements, calculations and installation details.

This resulted in the implementation of modern drainage systems, with the task of taking care of hazardous liquids in the case of an accident inside the tunnel, through hydraulic intake of 20,000 litres in a period of just five minutes. That means that the design of the drainage system enables the content of one cistern transporting hazardous, flammable liquids to be cleared in the required time. These dangerous liquids are then conveyed to the system for water treatment – an oil separator equipped with an alarm system and storage tanks of the required volume. This system was designed locally, with ACO components, and approved by the Serbian fire service. In the case that a fire does break out inside the tunnel, the design of drainage shafts prevents the fire spreading to the rest of the system and protects the tunnel’s main collector.

Beyond the tunnels, wherever the highway traverses water catchment areas, the protection of ground water is required through the implementation of separators for oil and heavy metals.

This ensures that the safety of people, groundwater and equipment in highway projects is raised to the level of safety required by European norms. Most of the new infrastructure developments, such as tunnels on Miloš the Great Motorway E-763, Šarani, Brđani, Savinac, Brančić, Lipak, Železnik and the latest Laz and Munjino Brdo, the Požega-Preljina highway section, the Belgrade ring-road and the Moravian Corridor are all equipped with ACO professional drainage and water treatment systems and boast the highest level of safety.

Professional solutions for water management in modern infrastructure projects

BUSINESS JELENA ANDRIĆ GRAFAKOS, MANAGING DIRECTOR, ACO EAST EUROPE ADRIATIC

MIA ZEČEVIĆ, NOVASTON CEO

Retail Sector’s Further Development Expected

Novaston unique real estate platform – encompassing Novaston Asset Management, Novaston Project and Facility Management and Novaston Marketing Consultancy – is set to mark 10 years of operations in Serbia and the region with more than 40 strategic projects and 500,000m2 of space under management for more than 15 international clients

Novaston announces the further development of its services for the coming period – from project development support and property management services, via real estate valuations, mediation in the sale and leasing of facilities, to marketing – but also better project positioning as a business partner and investor.

Despite challenges, the real estate sector is not only being marked by recovery, but is also recording new development opportunities. We believe that this reflects favourably on your business?

If we exclude the turnover of residential real estate, the influx of foreign investments increases demand for office and logistics space, but also demand for the further development of the retail sector. Apart from a good location, real estate’s market attractiveness is also influenced by the energy efficiency and independence that’s now mandatory. NOVASTON Project Management, as part of the platform, was engaged in the BREEAM certification process for STOP SHOP retail parks in Serbia and Croatia, which are part of the CPI Property Group. Moreover, the offer of our leasing team includes high-tech business premises in the Central Business District, as well as other modern offices and logistics facilities in Belgrade and nationwide across Serbia. When it comes to the retail sector, in which NOVASTON is already a renowned name, we receive many inquiries from local investors regarding the development of retail parks beyond the larger economic centres. We are also continuing our cooperation with IKEA Serbia on the implementation of the second phase of its AVA Shopping Park. Simultaneously, in the hotel industry, we

are strategically developing a sales strategy, commercialisation and the management for special custom made aparthotels in the region.

An ever-increasing number of companies are expressing an interest in the “combined

model” of work. How will the offices of the future look?

The best example of the business space of the future is the project we’re currently working on with Schneider Electric and investor Aleksandar Gradnja – to reconstruct the Novkabel industrial facility, a complex in Novi Sad, which is set to become a modern development centre upon completion, covering an area of 17,000m2 of gross space. This facility is in the process of obtaining LEED Gold certification, which means that it will be harmonised with the principles of environmental and social sustainability. Research shows that social sustainability is actually a critical aspect of every business, which is why companies are increasingly choosing facilities that promote a sense of wellbeing by understanding people’s business and private needs. That’s why the best solutions are represented by green gardens, zones for relaxation and informal communication, music and meditation rooms, childcare areas, kitchens etc.

What are your plans for the coming period?

We are developing further operations around the region through services – from project development support and property management services, via real estate valuations, mediation in the sale and leasing of facilities, to marketing –but also better project positioning as a business partner and investor. We have utilised our many decades of expertise to create, together with law firm Gecić Law, a “Guide for real estate development” in Serbia, in order for us to be able to provide future foreign and domestic investors with a comprehensive overview of the process and requirements to realise an investment in business premises with assured profitability

We are strategically developing a sales strategy, commercialisation and the management for special custom made aparthotels in the region

Top Trends In The Construction Industry For 2023

These are some of the many construction industry trends that people should stay aware of in 2023, and perhaps beyond. They’ll undoubtedly affect current construction projects and those in the pipeline for the months ahead. Some of the topics here might even inspire people to pursue their first construction jobs

Many innovations in the construction industry require people to go outside their comfort zones and use new technologies and tools. Doing things differently often causes anxiety in the beginning. However, when business leaders know their peers have gotten great results with updated methods, they’ll be more open to following suit. Here are some of the most prominent construction industry trends that will shape 2023.

CONTINUED LABOUR SHORTAGE

Anyone reading about trends in construction industry publications knows they’ll often come across content detailing the difficulties of the continued labour shortage. It is a multifaceted issue.

Many construction industry professionals are near retirement or have already left the workforce. It takes significant time for the necessary knowledge transfer to occur between industry veterans and younger new hires. A related problem is that many people who have entered the workforce relatively recently don’t consider construction a viable option.

INCREASED RELIANCE ON WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION

There’s no quick fix to the labour shortage. However, one of the trends in the construction industry that’s getting attention from news outlets is the growing evidence of women entering

the sector to help fill employment-related gaps.

Recruitment campaigns targeting women have led to a more than 50% jump in females taking construction roles over the past decade or so. Many such positions don’t require a college degree. Another advantage is that the pay gap between men and women in construction is typically much smaller than in other sectors.

Many women decide it’s time for a career change and ultimately realise the construction industry could give them the new option they seek. Some companies are making changes that could influence long-term construction industry trends. For example, they’re offering parental leave and making other fundamental changes to make construction positions and providers more appealing to females seeking work.

COST OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS

As previously mentioned, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted construction projects worldwide. However, researchers suggest the situation is taking a positive turn. An Oxford Economics report revealed a 2.3% increase in the real value of worldwide construction projects finished in 2021. However, the labour shortage, combined with supply chain difficulties, is making it challenging for construction project managers to get the resources they need to proceed smoothly.

One of the prevailing trends in construction industry analyses is the rising costs of critical materials. As people increasingly encounter sourcing difficulties, many have no choice but

to pay premium prices. Some also stay tuned to tips in construction industry discussions that could cut costs.

Fortunately, one of the positive construction industry trends of note is that relief is near. Numerous experts agree that 2023 should ease the burdens of high construction material costs. They point to several indicators of construction-related inflation becoming less intense.

DEVELOPMENT OF NEW CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS

Construction leaders are under increased pressure to cut construction material costs and find sustainable materials. These two trends in construction industry efforts have led to many in the sector developing new building materials that meet both of these aims. Some of them involve recycling construction and demolition (C&D) waste to create engineered wood or aggregate.

Such efforts reduce the overall quantities of construction materials ending up in landfills. They also cater to an increasing desire in modern society for people to make more-sustainable choices and reflect on how choices made now

could positively or negatively impact future generations for decades.

People are also interested in how alternative construction materials could be kinder to the Earth than some of today’s most popular options. For example, individuals can harvest bamboo in only three to five years. Compare that to timber, which needs decades to grow. The faster growth period makes bamboo more sustainable.

MODULAR AND PREFABRICATED BUILDING

People who follow trends in construction industry building techniques often note that there’s historically a cyclical nature to what becomes popular. In other words, even if something falls out of fashion periodically, that might not be the case forever.

Such is the case with modular and prefabricated construction. Families of the early half of the 1900s heavily relied on those options to realise their homeownership dreams. They ordered home-building kits and enjoyed the convenience of all the supplies arriving ready to assemble.

Modular construction happens when most of the structure is built offsite before being trans-

ferred to the final destination. Prefabrication is similar and involves making or assembling certain components elsewhere and attaching them to the building later. Together, these options target much of the waste and transportation-related emissions typically associated with construction. They also often allow the building process to proceed more efficiently, with fewer errors or budgetary overruns.

THE RISE OF SMART CITIES

Many modern households have several smart devices in their homes. These gadgets do everything from helping people find information more quickly to enabling them to keep their homes clean and energy-efficient with less effort. It’s

not surprising that innovations in construction industry companies often also centre on making entire cities “smarter”.

These projects often result in destinations that are safer and let residents live better, happier lives. They also give engineers, designers and other professionals exciting opportunities to push the boundaries of what’s possible and be directly responsible for long-term progress.

When planned correctly, smart cities facilitate continual improvement. That’s because they collect real-time and historical data to optimise decision-making. The statistics could prevent traffic jams, promote eco-friendly development and more. Some of the largest smart city projects cost more than $100 billion. However, the people financing them believe they’ll facilitate long-term positive changes in construction and society at large.

GREEN BUILDING

Eco-friendly practises encompass some of the prevailing trends in construction industry discussions. Efforts could include putting solar panels on the roofs of residential and commercial buildings. Doing so is good for the planet and

One of the trends in the construction industry that’s getting attention from news outlets is the growing evidence of women entering the sector to help fill employment-related gaps

often saves money. Another option is to recycle as many construction materials as possible during and after a project.

Construction company employees are also working hard to reach a status of net-zero emissions by 2050. That will occur if there is a correlation between the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced and removed from the atmosphere.

There’s no single way to reach that goal. Some leaders will explore innovations in construction industry processes. Others will use bamboo and other sustainable materials more frequently. Some options are unconventional but exciting. For example, research is underway to use the mycelium fungus to make natural bricks. It will take time for such possibilities to become mainstream. However, they give hope for the future.

3D PRINTING

3D printing has been a game-changer in the manufacturing sector. Many companies opt to print the spare parts and other essentials they need for their equipment rather than reordering them. However, 3D printing has also become one of the technology trends in construction industry methods. It reduces building time and promotes sustainability.

3D printing is also one of the top trends in construction industry circles because of how it could help tackle the housing shortage. Widespread usage of the technology could make houses more available to people who are unable to buy them now.

This construction method extends beyond homes. People have experimented with it to build schools and refugee shelters, finding it suitable for those more-specific needs. Some individuals caution that this way of building could have unknown consequences that become apparent after people use the structures for years. For now, though, many people are excited about the possibilities 3D printing offers.

TECH AND DIGITALISATION

The construction industry has not been on the cutting edge of technology. However, that’s changing in significant ways. Some site managers use drones to monitor for safety risks or check measurements. Analysts have also pointed out that the move towards connected construction will unlock new capabilities.

People no longer need paper documents

that could get lost or damaged. Instead, they can pull up the required information on a cloud platform that lets them see a digital version on demand. This improvement enhances collaboration and leads to faster problem resolution. Team members can also see digital models of buildings before construction begins.

It takes time and effort for construction company leaders to figure out the best ways to embrace digital technologies in their businesses. However, one way to do that is to stay abreast of trends in construction industry improvements. They can then learn more about how peers achieved meaningful gains.

ROBOTICS AND IoT

Any thorough coverage of construction industry trends cannot overlook the influence of robotics and the Internet of Things (IoT) Both those industries also influence other sectors. A robot called Moxie helps kids learn social skills and other vital capabilities. Many manufacturers use IoT sensors to monitor the condition of equipment.

One notable trend in construction industry management is the use of IoT sensors and geofencing technology. Site leaders can then

ensure employees only use machines and tools at approved times and in the right places. This approach also thwarts attempted theft by sending alerts when assets leave designated locations.

Many robotics applications in the sector reduce risks or assist with primarily manual tasks, such as bricklaying. Humans can thus often do the work faster with reduced risk of injuries. The use of construction robots is becoming more commonplace.

SUPPLY CHAIN TECHNOLOGIES

Many trends in the construction industry focus on reducing weaknesses. Doing so gives the affected individuals a stronger competitive advantage. Today’s leaders in the sector face increased bottom line pressure. Some pursue supply chain technologies to reduce extra expenses associated with stockouts or surplus items.

Some high-tech supply chain platforms also have forecasting features. They allow people to react to possibly detrimental construction industry trends in time. The associated companies are then more likely to remain stable, rather than experiencing major ramifications. Smart sensors let people track parcel statuses and locations in real-time.

Supply chain technologies also often have features that let people cut down on or eliminate manual tasks. They might automatically send out or fill in the fields of invoices. Other options capture digital necessities, such as weigh station receipts. This makes it easier for people in the construction industry and elsewhere to track goods moving to their destinations.

Numerous experts agree that 2023 should ease the burdens of high construction material costs. They point to several indicators of construction-related inflation becoming less intense

Pupin’s Palace New Belgrade

As the investor of a new residential and commercial centre, Galens Invest is once again pushing the boundaries of comfort and quality of life and work in the capital city. As always, their first priority is the users' safety, needs and quality of life

Pupin’s Palace New Belgrade is a project of the new age. Its exceptional location, top facilities and recognisable quality of construction, will make it a favourite place to live and work in an urban environment.

Due to its road infrastructure and organisation, New Belgrade has become the centre of the most important business events, but also an extremely desirable place for the life of modern families. This city municipality will be enriched by the new residential and business centre, which will push the boundaries of comfort and quality of life and work in the capital. This is Pupin’s Palace New Belgrade, the successor to the impressive Pupin’s Palace in Novi Sad.

Designed to meet all the needs of the modern way of living and working, Pupin’s Palace New Belgrade is the ideal combination of premium quality materials and state-of-the-art technology. Besides the recognisable quality of construction, the condominium concept is marked by many other features that make life in this urban quarter of the capital more beautiful. Galens Invest has designed an underground garage with more than 1,000 parking spaces as part of the building itself. The complex will also include premises for hospitality establishments, sports centres, markets, playrooms and other activities that will enrich and improve the lives of the users of Pupin’s Palace New Belgrade.

An ideal business environment, which includes proximity to some of the largest business parks, such as Airport City, close access to the motorway and excellent connections with other parts of the city, makes Pupin’s Palace the optimal choice for business premises. This part of the building will be built and decorated to the highest international standards, in the service of employee satisfaction and motivation.

The complex will include premises for hospitality establishments, sports centres, markets, playrooms and other activities

In addition to great business potential, Pupin’s Palace New Belgrade offers a comfortable and functional living environment for all those striving for a meaningful and harmonious life in an attractive and dynamic part of Belgrade. For further information, call the following numbers: +381/64-89-55-699 and +381/64-89-55-711.

The Sava Centre Is Restoring Its Former Glow

Jadran is one of our oldest construction companies. Over the course of 70 years, it has grown step by step from a contractor for finishing works, renovation of facades and buildings under state protection and anticorrosion protection to the position of general contractor

Although they have more than 16,000 successfully completed projects behind them, they are currently fully focused on the reconstruction of the Sava Centre. This began at the end of 2021 and is proceeding according to plan. The congress section with 40 halls, a shopping area and offices is planned to open to its first guests during November 2023.

From when it was founded back in 1950 until today, Jadran has been delivering the highest quality, durable construction solutions. In the beginning this was through painting works, and then through anti-corrosion protection in large systems. Their high quality generated demand,

and demand brought expansion of the service portfolio. They started to deal with reconstructions, renovations and all finishing works. Their quality was recognised even beyond the country’s borders and today they are firmly positioned as a company that carries out large ‘design&build’ projects. Behind them are many successfully completed buildings, among them the Đerdap and Mali Zvornik hydroelectric plants, the Svetozar Marković University Library, the Royal Villa on Oplenac, the Konstantinovsky Palace in St. Petersburg, the Marriot hotel in Cairo and military bases in Baghdad, and before them are further great works and ambitious plans.

THE COMPLETE RENOVATION WILL COST MORE THAN 100 MILLION EUROS

The reconstruction of the Sava Centre in Belgrade is one of the most important jobs Jadran has undertaken. The investor is Delta Congress Centre (Delta Real Estate), expert supervision is entrusted to Zoling, the designer is Centroprojekt, and Jadran d.o.o. is the general contractor. The area of the building is 100,000 m2 and it is estimated that the complete renovation will cost more than 100 million euros.

“Our company is general contractor for the reconstruction of one of the symbols of Belgrade”, says Nikola Malbaša, director of Jadran. “This is

the largest congress centre in this part of Europe, a masterpiece of the Yugoslav socialist construction tradition, whose progressive achievements in the last century changed construction technology. With its grandiose size, futuristic design and content, Belgrade’s glass castle the Sava Centre has witnessed key political and cultural moments for more than four decades, while hosting several generations at full capacity.”

Following reconstruction, the Sava Centre will retain its original purpose, but this time it will be an energy-efficient building, built according to the most modern standards to become the best in the region and a globally recognisable congress centre, as it was when François Mitterrand, Indira Gandhi, Josip Broz Tito and many others walked its corridors.

CONFERENCE HALLS FOR A NEW AGE

The rebuilt Sava Centre will have the most modern conference rooms with the latest audio and visual technology, modern and attractive spaces for networking, halls for corporate meetings and parallel sessions during large congresses, a hybrid studio, restaurant and catering, and new spaces and zones, such as an immersive hall and an unusual green oasis - a winter garden. There will also be the indispensable office and shopping area with further attractions.

“The reconstruction of a building of cultural importance is in itself a serious challenge for us as contractors”, says Malbaša. “The building covers an area of almost 100,000 m2, which brings all kinds of surprises. During its four-decadelong existence, 10 million visitors have passed through, while almost nothing was invested in the building, which has led to the complete deterioration of some of its parts. Minor renovations and additions were often not properly recorded, so we also have to face the problem of lack of data. The inconsistency of archival documentation with the situation on the spot further complicates the situation.”

ALL ACCORDING TO THE ORIGINAL DESIGN

The renovation of the facades, glass and concrete, is being done according to the original design of Stojan Maksimović with the approval of the Institute for the Protection of Monuments, but aligned with current energy efficiency standards. The visual identity, the color of the glass and the recognisable verticals and horizontals are retained, but all vastly improved by the use of highly energy-efficient glass.

Our company is general contractor for the reconstruction of one of the symbols of Belgrade, the largest congress centre in this part of Europe

“We have to date carried out the rehabilitation of the building structure, the sandblasting, impregnation and rehabilitation of the concrete surfaces on the facade have been completed, and the installation of facade glass with high energy efficiency is being finalised. Strengthening of the foundations and the building’s seismic stability have been completed. The replacement of all installation systems is in progress: new electrical installations, cooling and heating, and the introduction of completely new multimedia installations”, notes a Jadran statement. “The renovation of the roofs is almost complete and the finishing works have begun. Work has also started on the Blue Hall, which will be one of the most sophisticated elements of the renovated Sava Centre.”

QUALITY AND COMPLIANCE WITH DEADLINES ARE THE PRIORITY

According to Malbaša, more than 600 workers are currently engaged on the project, including 30 Jadran engineers. And while we are talking numbers, we should mention almost 200 new mega-piles reinforcing the foundations, over 4,500 cubic metres of new concrete structures, 200-plus tons of new steel structures, over 15,000m 2 of anti-corrosion steel protection, more than 8,000m 2 of new energy-efficient glass facades, over 25,000m2 of roofing works...

“Help us keep our speed up, check we’re meeting our deadlines. We set them very strictly, but Jadran believes in its ability, and in the quality and motivation of our partners to complete the project in an exceptional way, giving it a special place in our corporate portfolio and in our hearts. It is interesting that Jadran worked on the Sava Centre during its construction in 1977-79. We were then responsible for painting and flooring works, and for anti-corrosion protection of steel structures”, recalls Jadran’s director.

STOJAN RANGELOV, PUTEVI IVANJICA DIRECTOR BUSINESS

We Advance Safety

Over the previous 60 years, this company has amassed vast experience working in the demanding and inhospitable territories of southwest Serbia, Ivanjica and the surrounding area. The roads that this company has constructed have immeasurable importance to the local population and tourists, while some of them are considered Serbia’s most beautiful panoramic roads

ment of the Republic of Serbia, as investor, has planned the further construction and connection of Golija as a tourist centre, so we are hopeful of receiving support and continuing works. We want to continue participating in the construction of corridors and highways through this part of Serbia and to maintain the roads of this area in both summer and winter, as we have throughout all these years, which is also a major challenge.

How do your combined systems, safety barriers and soundwalls improve safety; does that receive sufficient attention in our country?

of safety, because these barriers are certified by crash tests, there is no penetration and crossing to the opposite lane while, on the other hand, the energy of the impact on passengers is distributed in such a way that they don’t suffer from excessive strain. These systems are in much wider use in Western Europe than they are in our country, but we hope that will change. Nevertheless, the greatest advantage of our systems is its durability and maintenance. Our systems cost up to 25% of the cost of systems produced from other materials.

Putevi Ivanjica has been a licensed partner of Austria’s Deltabloc Gmbh since 2013, which enables this Serbian company to produce concrete safety barriers and soundwalls. According to company director Stojan Rangelov, this saves time and money, but also keeps us safe.

Putevi Ivanjica was still working to the max when there was no work for others. Have you impsoed yourself thanks to the quality you provide?

Harsh nature and the geological composition of the terrain have often posed great challenges to us in the construction of roads,

We have spent many years investing the largest part of our revenue in modernising production and renewing our machinery and fleet

supporting walls, bridges and other structures. We worked on the Rudnik-Topola section a few years ago, then continued with the construction of roads in Golija, Preko Brdo-Odvraćenica, covering a road length of 16 km, and last year we completed the Pridvorica-Devići road, covering 8.3 km. The Govern-

We produced and installed dozens of kilometres of barriers and fences on all major highways and corridors in Serbia over the previous decade. Within the scope of concrete barriers are also bridge systems that absorb impact energy to ensure the structure of the bridge is not damaged. This creates savings in terms of the dimensions of the bridge structure and, most importantly, improves safety for road users.

Combined systems are an amalgamation of a concrete safety barrier and an anti-noise barrier, so 2 in 1. They improve the safety of road users, while they also save space by being placed immediately along the roadside. The construction is free-standing, faster and easier to assemble, without foundations, so it requires less time and money.

Applying such systems brings guaranteed improvements in terms

You have two quarries, stone crushing plants, two asphalt and concrete bases, cutting edge machinery, equipment and fleet, but would all that be of little value without your experienced and professional workers?

We have spent many years investing the largest part of our revenue in modernising production and renewing our machinery and fleet. We also invest in environmental standards, as well as workplace safety and protection for all employees. We consider that as being the only way to ensure the progress of the company itself, but also of employees and their families. We acknowledge the commitment of workers with adequate salaries, increasing their satisfaction and improving working conditions. We believe that we’ve proved successful in this to date, though we are also feeling the labour shortage, as is the construction industry as a whole.

A Reliable Partner For Two Decades

Putinvest, a company for road studies, design and engineering, celebrates this year two decades of successful work. They welcome the anniversary with an enviable reputation and excellent business results

something that still gives us the opportunity for personal and professional development. The company was founded by engineers who at that time had extensive experience and major references behind them, so from the start we aimed for the highest quality in the services we provide. Over time, we strengthened our position on the market and became recognised as a responsible and professional partner.

experience in work on all types of traffic artery (streets, highways, wind farms, roads within complexes and facilities, etc.), our projects have a major economic and social impact on the entire community.

The key goal of every project we work on is a positive impact on both our clients and the end users. This has meant that we have reliable cooperation both with the Ministry of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure, Roads of Serbia and Corridors of Serbia, and with local governments and private investors throughout the country. We also have more than good feedback from contractors and end users.

We act responsibly in all areas of business, we take care of both the client and our staff, we cultivate environmental and community awareness, and we are part of a global business community that is guided by internationally recognised principles and values - this is the message from Putinvest.

How was it when you started, and how is it today?

Although every beginning is uncertain and difficult because it is unknown territory, in 2003 we started with a lot of self-confidence,

Multidisciplinarity is not only inevitable in the world of innovation, it also appears in every project we work on. That’s why we believe that the structure of our team, which is made up of engineers from a range of specialties, is important for high-quality and efficient implementation of projects. Also, all our young engineers are supported by experienced colleagues who pass on their valuable experience to them. We are recognised on the market as a responsible and professional partner, and for the projects we have carried out.

Would you say that your best references are the roads and infrastructure in whose construction you participated?

Since we make technical documentation for traffic surfaces with accompanying utilities and provide consulting services in this field (design review, technical acceptance, project management, etc.) and as we have extensive

The state has planned many capital infrastructure facilities for this and the following years. Are you involved in any of them?

The company’s portfolio includes various projects, specific and interesting from a professional viewpoint and important both for the entire Republic of Serbia and for the development of our engineers. As a company or as individual engineers, we have been involved in all major projects in the country in the last 35 years. Through design and design review services, our experts have participated in rehabilitation and construction projects for more than 700 kilometres of state roads, while we have worked on urban road projects for more than 50 local governments. Among other things, we are currently working on road projects for nine wind farms, over 500 kilometres of roads for more than 230 turbines. We design roads according to the specifications of various wind turbine manufacturers (Siemens, Vestas, GE and ENERCON).

The key goal of every project we work on is a positive impact on both our clients and the end users