By approving the spatial plan for Nikšić, the government has paved the way for the Sunčani Grad project and attracted investors such as German Lidl and Israeli BIG Fashion, who plan to construct a large shopping center in the city.
Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, responding to inquiries about government support for the Sunčani Grad project in Nikšić posed by MP Slaven Radunović from the Club of MPs of Montenegro – New Serbian Democracy, highlighted recent developments.
Spajić noted that the Municipality of Nikšić and the Electric Power Company of Montenegro (EPCG) have launched a competition for the conceptual architectural design of the Sunčani Grad residential-commercial complex, drawing 14 applicants. The project aims to revitalize underutilized state-owned land in the eastern part of the city, under the jurisdiction of Nikšić Municipality and EPCG.
- The proposed development includes constructing between 500 to 1,000 residential units, alongside essential amenities such as schools, kindergartens, hospitality venues, shops, promenades, and sports facilities. This holistic infrastructure aims to enhance the quality of life in Nikšić’s future urban area, with no additional costs to the Municipality, EPCG, or state entities – Spajić emphasized.
He highlighted EPCG’s substantial financial commitment to addressing housing needs for its employees, with a payment of €1,300/m2, reflecting a similar approach by Nikšić’s local government.
- The plan involves securing financing through a loan, with Nikšić Municipality and EPCG jointly undertaking the construction of apartments for their staff, ensuring that loan repayments do not exceed current allocations for meeting these needs – he outlined.
Regarding governmental support, Spajić underscored that recent amendments to Nikšić Municipality’s Spatial Urban Plan (SUP) by the Montenegrin government facilitate the realization of the Sunčani Grad project and other urban initiatives.
- Beyond this, government involvement may also include directing diverse-purpose facility projects to this area and funding the construction of public interest facilities as social services in this district, aligning with the government’s obligations – the Prime Minister stated.
However, he cautioned that given the impending challenges in the energy sector and the necessity for the company’s management to prioritize new energy investments – as the major shareholder in EPCG, the government will prudently evaluate any additional borrowing for advancing the Sunčani Grad project.
- This is primarily due to EPCG’s crucial role in safeguarding the energy system’s stability and Montenegro’s broader interests – he underscored.
Spajić further highlighted ongoing negotiations with Israeli company BIG Fashion, which is keen to develop a large shopping center, promising job creation in Nikšić.
- Equally significant is the interest expressed by German retailer LIDL, eyeing Nikšić as a strategic entry point for its Montenegrin operations – Spajić affirmed, concluding:
- With the adoption of the Spatial Plan and the establishment of an enabling business environment, the Montenegrin government is committed to fostering conditions conducive to increased foreign investment. I am confident that this approach presents a new avenue for development not just for Nikšić but for Montenegro as a whole.
