SES Spar European Shopping Centers has started construction of the S-PARK Varaždin in the northwest of Croatia. In a first step, the existing structures on the site will be demolished, with the construction work for the new retail park beginning two months later. The new S-PARK will breathe new life into this historic but long-abandoned site of the former “Varteks” textile factory. Where once textiles were produced, a diverse and modern retail park is set to open in 2027, featuring 12 shops, gastronomy with outdoor seating and a range of service offerings across an area of 11,500 sqm. The centrepiece will be the region’s first INTERSPAR hypermarket. The real estate developer and operator SES is investing more than €28 million in the project, thus continuing its expansion in the Croatian market.
S-PARK is the brand name for SES retail parks, which are characterised by their high-quality execution. The introduction of the new S-PARK in Varaždin will significantly improve the range of services and amenities available to the people in the city and the surrounding area, particularly in terms of local supply and attractive anchor stores.
Central location – excellent connectivity
The new S-PARK Varaždin is being developed on a site of around 50,000 sqm, just some 500 meters from the city centre and directly on Zagrebačka ulica – one of the most-frequented main roads into the city. The transport connections for pedestrians, cyclists and users of public transportation are outstanding. The planned 430 customer parking spaces, e-charging stations, bicycle parking spaces and a new traffic circle will contribute to easy and comfortable access.
Brownfield factory site being revitalised
The architecture of the S-PARK intentionally draws on the distinctive brick architecture of the former industrial site and combines it with modern elements. Individual parts of the old buildings will be retained, creating a strong bridge to the site’s history. Measures such as LED lighting, preparations to support photovoltaic systems, and infrastructure for e-mobility are fixed elements of the construction project.
Christoph Andexlinger, CEO of SES Spar European Shopping Centers, commented: “With the S-PARK Varaždin, we are creating an extensive selection of shopping opportunities and local amenities. We are particularly pleased that the historic site, which has strong emotional roots in the region, will be staging a spectacular comeback in 2027. This makes this project something special for SES.”
Miroslav Marković, deputy mayor of Varaždin, said: “Varaždin is a city of entrepreneurship and Croatia’s best city to live in. Any investor who creates new jobs, brings additional quality to our city and demonstrates a high degree of social responsibility towards our citizens is warmly welcomed. And therefore, we eagerly anticipate the arrival of the renowned investor SES in Varaždin, as well as the start of construction for the new S-PARK centre, which will offer our citizens new options on the former Varteks site.
