From former industrial platform to a vibrant area of the city: urban garden, live arts center, and interactive concepts for the entire community, just 15 minutes away from downtown Cluj

Approximately 14 hectares from the former Carbochim platform (the factory was upgraded and relocated) will be restored to the Cluj community via the urban regeneration project to be developed by IULIUS Company. The masterplan for this project is defined by a young & family-friendly concept, set to include a live arts center, entertainment areas, sports facilities, premiering brands for the city and the region, office premises, landscaped green areas spanning more than 5 hectares, new pedestrian and bicycle-friendly connections, and many other uses. The proposed mix is based on local market studies and the needs of the community, as the latter expressed their opinions on the www.partedincluj.ro platform from the very first phase of concept development.

IULIUS Company’s project on the former Carbochim platform sets out to integrate the former industrial area (previously using only a third of the area) as an active part of Cluj-Napoca City. Focusing on the infusion of ample green spaces and diverse urban experiences, this will be an accessible space, with facilities that are necessary for modern living. The group has experience in this type of projects, such as the mixed-use complexes already developed in Iași and Timișoara, which had a strong socio-economic impact on their respective communities and became go-to leisure destinations.

“Cluj-Napoca has become an economic force and with it we have seen a drive in the population’s appetite for all things related to a cosmopolitan and responsible lifestyle. We have listened to the needs and desires of the community, consulted with many civil society representatives, worked together with specialists in various domains, and identified solutions inspired by the expectations of the residents, so as to refine the project down to a form that is embraced as naturally as possible by the city, with real benefits and a solid impact in terms of urban development and beyond that. We are confident that this project will be as complex as it is relevant in terms of its contribution to the quality of life,” said Sorin Guttman, Project Manager.

The project is based on the work-live-play concept, also including premiering uses for Cluj-Napoca and Transylvania alike. This refers to a performing arts center, the first auditorium integrated in a real estate project, a family entertainment center, office spaces, business development opportunities, leisure areas, restaurants, premium brands, playground areas for children, sports and educational facilities, park and Japanese garden, as well as a fresh market. Substantial investments will also be made in infrastructure. Thus, thousands of jobs will be created as early as the construction phase, and their number is set to grow in proportion with the development of the office and retail areas, improving the quality of life on several levels. All these facilities will be available just 15 minutes away from downtown Cluj.

Live arts center in one of the buildings preserved from the former Carbochim platform

Two buildings from the former industrial platform will be preserved and revamped to be included in the project, namely the administrative building set to become an entrepreneurial hub and the arcade hall set to serve the culture in Cluj. It is a premiere for such a project to also include a live arts center designed to accommodate shows, festivals, exhibitions, and many others. To this end, IULIUS Company has a partnership with the Cluj Cultural Center, the entity that will ensure the management of this art venue.

Furthermore, the project will also include an auditorium that will combine programming for children and the general public alike. The auditorium will provide the scene for performances by independent and state owned theater companies in Cluj, as well as other types of entertainment events.

Experiential visits for all categories of the public

The project will also integrate a regional premiere in the form of a large-scale entertainment concept, with escalade areas, trampolines, obstacle courses, gaming areas, immersive experiences and simulators. Another entertainment center will be specially designed for preschool and primary school children, offering activities that develop their creativity, logical thinking, attention, dexterity, and social skills. The project will also include state-of-the-art cinema infrastructure integrating premiering concepts for the region.

Visitors will also have access to other family-oriented retail concepts, ranging from services up to brands that are popular with parents. One such example is a bookstore with a special layout, which is all about experiences and interactivity, beyond the selection of the latest and most diverse books for leisure reading, school, and developing one’s knowledge. 

More than 400 brands, home&deco formats, concept-restaurants, and Fresh Market

The new project will combine a diverse mix of stores, ranging from those accessible to all categories of the public to internationally renowned premium brands. The offer will include regional premieres and new entries in segments such as home&deco, DIY, toys, bookstores, jewelry, accessories, etc., as well as flagship locations by brands that are highly-anticipated by Cluj residents.

The project will also provide a new leisure destination because it is set to accommodate internationally themed concept-restaurants. In addition to a food-court area bringing together operators offering Romanian and global cuisines, the project will also include restaurants and coffee shops providing distinctive indoor and outdoor experiences.

The modern Fresh Market inspired by those in major European cities will mark yet another premiering concept. The Fresh Market sets out to bring together local producers showcasing their freshest produce, ready to be cooked and served to clients on the spot.  

Outdoor sports or exercising in an ultramodern gym

The project will include sports areas with top of the line facilities for training, so that exercising becomes a pleasure and accessible to all. Those who want to exercise outdoors will also be able to choose the park areas for yoga sessions or riding their bicycle. More than 700 linear meters of bicycle lanes will be fitted in the project, along the right bank of Someș River, and another approximately 2,500 linear meters via the upgrades to the perimetral streets. This feature is in line with the new city strategy for developing a sustainable infrastructure and was integrated to cater to the desire of the community to benefit from enhanced bicycle or public transit accessibility. 

More than 700 trees and 100,000 decorative plants will add color to the new urban garden

Urban gardens play a key part in IULIUS projects. More than 600 mature trees (up to 60 years old and 13 meters high), plus the trees that could be relocated from the former industrial platform, are currently accommodated in the nursery at the Horticultural Research Center of USAMV Cluj-Napoca. Alongside another 100,000 decorative plants in various species, the trees will provide shade from the very first day in the green spaces to be landscaped on more than 5.2 hectares. This will also include a Japanese garden, a novel concept where visitors will be able to take a break from the everyday hustle and bustle. Aside from providing the setting for unwinding and connecting with nature, the park replacing the former industrial spaces will accommodate outdoor events, shows, movie nights, and many other experiences dedicated to the entire family.

Road bridge, pedestrian walkways, bicycle lanes, street upgrades – IULIUS infrastructure investments on the former Carbochim platform

To ensure the connectivity for the entire area, the urban reconversion project will also entail the following: one road bridge and two pedestrian walkways across Someș River, upgrades to the Porțelanului Street and Câmpul Pâinii Street, fitting out two roundabouts, fitting-out Piața 1 Mai square on the segment corresponding to the project, creating more than 3,200 linear meters of bicycle lanes (both on perimetral streets, and within the project lines, along the Someș riverfront). The project will also include 1,600 bicycle parking spaces and 900 parking spaces providing the necessary EV charging station infrastructure. The investment will be serviced by up to 4,800 underground and above-grade parking spaces. 

The concept for the entire project is signed by UNStudio, a world-renowned architecture company based in The Netherlands, and this collaboration marks a premiere not only for Cluj-Napoca, but also for Romania.