Controversial new Croatian hotel project gets key council approval

Hotel Valkane conceptual design

Following legal assessments and court rulings, the Valkane Hotel project in the Croatian city of Pula is progressing towards realisation.

The water supply network has been completed, the design phase is nearing its end, and construction will commence after the building permit is issued and contractors are selected.

At a session of the Pula City Council, the final two resolutions related to the Valkane Hotel project were approved, enabling the signing of the Financing and Construction Agreement for roads essential to obtaining permits and constructing the facility.

Both resolutions received strong support from councillors: the agreement to fund the construction of municipal infrastructure for the access road passed with 13 votes, while the agreement for building infrastructure for a service road passed with 14 votes.

A two-lane road with a footpath and public parking spaces will be constructed. In cooperation with the city, the investor has agreed to a smaller road and roundabout than those originally permitted by the spatial plan, achieving dual benefits: preserving a significant number of trees in the planned road area and creating substantial savings for the city.

Additionally, the Hotel Valkane company has invested €250,000 in water infrastructure, including a 400-metre main pipeline that will improve water supply for residents of Ruže Petrović Street, Uskočka Street, and the local football field.

Conceptual design of the hotel

“The City Council’s decision reflects maturity and responsibility towards the common good, which a large majority of councillors recognised and supported. After extensive presentations and full transparency, despite the decisions of all relevant bodies, ministries, legal experts, and institutions, some individuals continue to spread misinformation, although fewer people believe it now.

A small number of councillors still fail to understand that we will build and pay for all the infrastructure, and only a portion of the municipal contribution, which wouldn’t exist without this hotel and its infrastructure, will later be reduced.

This project has consistently generated multiple benefits for the city and surrounding areas and will continue to do so through all phases, from construction to operation.

Conceptual design from the air

Our commitment is to proceed professionally, adhering to best practices, to realise this project and contribute to Pula’s development.

Those who supported lawful procedures and this project will rightly be proud one day when Pula gains its most valuable hotel.

We are now focused on completing the design, securing permits, and starting the construction of the roads and hotel. This is a complex undertaking, but it’s time for experts, not speculation,” stated Zoran Kostić, Technical Director of the Valkane Hotel.

All activities related to the project have undergone extensive verification and evaluation at both local and national levels, including reviews by experts from the Faculty of Law, relevant state institutions, various ministries, the High Administrative Court, and the State Attorney’s Office, all confirming that the city’s procedures comply with current laws.

To obtain the permit, the investor will pay a municipal contribution of nearly €1,596,274 and will also contribute annually to the city budget through a municipal fee of €217,319.

Location today

“Along with taxes, tourist fees, and indirect income, this project will significantly enhance the city’s financial stability and development, allowing for further investment in community projects. Our commitment to transparency, lawful procedures, and high standards of execution remains a priority throughout all phases of the project,” they added.

A large number of local residents have been protesting the Valkane Hotel construction, primarily due to environmental, social, and cultural concerns.

Many protested that the hotel’s development will privatise what is now a public area and the lack of transparency and insufficient public consultation.