Luka Modrić visits major Dubrovnik tourism project as global architects shape luxury destination
Luka Modrić and Vicenco Blagaić (Photo: Tri Sestrice)
Croatian football star Luka Modrić has visited the construction site of the Dubrovačke Tri Sestrice project, one of the largest planned tourism developments in Croatia and the wider Mediterranean, where he met project owner Vicenco Blagaić and leading international architects.
During his visit, Modrić praised the progress of the project, particularly the construction of the road and supporting infrastructure.
“Every time I come, I see how much has been achieved. What impresses me most is the pace and the seriousness with which the road and supporting infrastructure are being built. This is the foundation on which everything else will be created,” Modrić said.
The Real Madrid legend also revealed his long-standing admiration for Spanish architecture studio ARK Architects, whose work he had encountered through villas belonging to fellow footballers in Madrid.
“Over the years in Madrid, I had the opportunity to visit numerous villas owned by my teammates and fellow footballers that were designed by ARK Architects. I have always particularly liked their work and approach to architecture, so when the time came to design my villa in Croatia, I immediately knew I wanted them,” Modrić added.
During his visit, Modrić met Vicenco Blagaić, owner of the project, and Manuel Ruiz Moriche, co-founder and creative director of Spanish architectural studio ARK Architects, which is involved in designing part of the development.
The site has also attracted other high-profile figures from the worlds of sport, music, film and business this summer. Their names have not yet been disclosed as commercial agreements are still being finalised.
Blagaić said the visits, together with the involvement of internationally recognised architects and leading hotel, restaurant and other global operators, reflected the direction in which the project was developing.
He said 19 years of work had gone into preparing the project, resolving property and legal issues, adopting spatial plans and securing the first building permits.
The project is now entering a more visible construction phase, with infrastructure works already well advanced.
Road infrastructure takes shape
Around four kilometres of the planned 5.5-kilometre access road have now been asphalted, representing approximately 73% of the route. Significant sections have been built with four lanes.
The next stages include pedestrian and cycling paths, extensive landscaping and LED lighting along the entire route. The aim is to create the impression of a Mediterranean arboretum, with mature trees and extensive planting forming an integral part of the approach to the future destination.
The investment in the road and related infrastructure is estimated at €15 million, with a further €5 million allocated to landscaping and the purchase of large Mediterranean trees from 20 nurseries across Europe.
The investor says the entire road and infrastructure investment is being financed from its own funds, without bank loans, state or local government subsidies, or EU funding.
Hotels, villas and branded residences
The first phase of the development is planned to include three hotels, two berths, two beach clubs, 30 villas and 150 branded residences, with a total investment value of around €350 million.
Nine renowned Croatian and international architects and design studios have so far been involved:
• Manuel Jesús Ruiz Moriche – ARK Architects: six branded tourist villas
• Fran Silvestre – Fran Silvestre Arquitectos: the largest branded tourist villa
• Shaun Killa – Killa Design: a luxury branded hotel with 150 rooms and 150 branded residences
• Elastic Architects: a 70-room Nammos Hotel, 10 Nammos branded residences, Nammos Village with 30 luxury-brand shops and Nammos Beach Club
• Clint Nagata – BLINK Design Group: a 130-room luxury branded hotel and second beach club with a restaurant
• Tomislav Alujević – Aalto: five branded tourist villas
• Oliver Grigić and Branimir Kljajić: five branded tourist villas
• Amélie Outrequin – Landscape Design: landscaping of the access road and roundabouts
• Dean Skira – Lighting Design: LED lighting for the access roads and landscaping
The landscaping concept, including mature Mediterranean treesoach road a distinctive character suited to the planned ultra-luxury destination
New name and hotel operators to be announced
The project is also set for a new identity.
The current name, Dubrovačke Tri Sestrice / Hrvatski san, derived from the location in the Municipality of Dubrovačko primorje, is expected to be replaced by a new international name for the destination.
Agreements with hotel partners and other operators from major international brands are also expected to be signed and presented in the coming period.
Blagaić said the ambition was to create a new destination for the Dubrovnik Riviera, while placing strong emphasis on respecting the surrounding landscape and local population.
Source: www.croatiaweek.com
