Montenegro’s Ministry of Defence said it supports a planned transfer of the former Army House in Pljevlja to Pljevlja Municipality for conversion into an athlete accommodation centre of about 7,600 square metres. The municipality is to take over the property, which would become part of a wider sports-tourism complex. The project calls for reconstruction and an extension of the former military building.
Plans for the complex include an indoor swimming pool and a multifunctional sports hall. Tennis, football and basketball courts are planned at the former Army House site. The wider development plan also covers reconstruction of Ada Sports Hall and its auxiliary pitches, as well as revitalisation of the area around the stadium at Golubinja.
Defence Minister Dragan Krapović backed the project but called for the interests of the Ministry of Defence and the Army of Montenegro to be protected. A proposed compensation arrangement would have Pljevlja Municipality provide two residential units of at least 60 square metres each. The alternative is five accommodation units in the future complex.
The model for defence personnel’s use of the future accommodation capacity also needs to be defined. Krapović said protecting the defence system’s interests and putting the property to use for the local community were compatible aims. The proposed compensation and accommodation-use arrangements remain open parts of the project.
Krapović said the Army House had not been adequately used for years. He considers state property that is not a priority for the Army of Montenegro’s tasks suitable for public-interest use and local development. In his assessment, managing such resources responsibly could create development opportunities, particularly in communities facing demographic and economic challenges.
The minister said Pljevlja deserved new investment, modern sports facilities and prospects for younger generations. The Ministry of Defence said it would continue, within its responsibilities, to support initiatives that contribute to local community development and improve the quality of life of Montenegro’s citizens.
