Dutch architect Van Den Oever, Zaajer wins competition to masterplan Velika Plaza

Two UK practices have been beaten in a competition to masterplan a pioneering 1450ha beach development in Montenegro which could double the GDP of the country.

Montenegro shoreline
Credit: Astique

The competition to masterplan the Velika Plaza project, 60% of which is owned by Montenegro’s government, has been won by Dutch practice Van Den Oever, Zaajer & Partners. PRP architects and a consortium involving Aedas were among the four losing bidders.

Speaking on the sidelines of Mipim Horizons in Cannes, Montenegro’s minister for economic development, Branimir Gvozdenovic, said the state was now trying to attract private investment to fund the remainder of the project. He said: “We may sign a transaction next year.”

The government intends that the scheme, whose title means 'long beach', will be a sustainable development with upmarket resorts and leisure facilities. It intends to enter into a long-term lease agreement for the project, with the appointed private investor working alongside the government and the architect to develop a shared vision for the area.