Construction of Grand Plaza Rousse - the first and the only complex of its type and scale in the Rousse region which combines sport, shopping mall, hotel, and office facilities in one place, starts today.

Total built up area stands at 140,000 m2. The complex is scheduled to open doors in 2010.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of External Affairs Ivailo Kalfin, the mayor of Rousse, Bozhidar Yotov, together with the representatives of the developers Plamen Bobokov, Chairman of the Management Board of Prista Oil EAD, and Marin Zgurev, Manager, Densi Stroy, attended the ceremony for the symbolic turning of the first sod on the site.

Grand Plaza Rousse the first project in the region of this type and scale, combining a multi-functional sport hall of 26,000 m2, a shopping mall with GLA of 37,500 m2, a 5 star hotel of 13,000 m2, and Class A office areas of 11,000 m2.

The innovative and professionally designed project of 140,000 m2 total built up area is an example of good co-operation between private business and the municipal administration, which will stimulate the economic development of the city of Rousse and will create a pleasant and enjoyable venue for shopping and entertainment for citizens and visitors to the city. Each part of the complex complements the offers of the others creating a synergy to all and adding value to the entire project. Grand Plaza is scheduled to open in 2010.

A significant advantage of Grand Plaza Rousse is its location. The complex will be built between the two main boulevards in the center of Rousse – Lipnik Boulevard and Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard, with great visibility and easy and fast accessibility by foot, car, and public transportation.

Grand Plaza Mall itself will be the biggest international style shopping center in the city and the region, including a hypermarket of 10,000 m2 retail area, more than 120 stores which will represent prominent international and Bulgarian retail brands, and more than 1,000 parking spaces. The property management services are delegated to Colliers International.

The developers of Grand Plaza are PRISTA OIL EAD – the largest Bulgarian producer of motor oils and the unquestionable leader in the Balkans, DENSI STROY – a subsidiary of one of the leading importers, distributors, and retailers of electronics in Bulgaria, “Densi M” EOOD, and the Municipality of Rousse. The architectural design has been developed by Atelier Serafimov Architects, and Colliers International is the exclusive real estate consultant for the project offering various real estate services to Grand Plaza like market research, brokerage, marketing and legal advisory services, and property management.

“We are happy to be involved in the largest of its scale and significance public-private partnership ever developed in Bulgaria till the moment. This is a project which will completely transform the business environment of Rousse and the region by developing it into a stylish and attractive place for investment, sport, and cultural events. This project will also contribute to enhancing the overall qualify of life which the local people deserve,” commented Plamen Bobokov, Prista Oil EAD – Bulgaria Chairman of the Management Board.

“We are sure that the Grand Plaza Rousse will be a significant project for Rousse and the region not only because of its concept and design, but also because of the latest international standards which it will bring into the city as well,” said Marin Zgurev, Densi Stroy Manager.

“Grand Plaza Rousse marks the development of a new type of real estate project in Bulgaria. The noteworthy combination of shopping mall, office tower, hotel and multiple leisure facilities creates synergies and offers excellent opportunities for retailers,” emphasized Atanas Garov, Managing Director of Colliers International in Bulgaria.

Prista Oil EAD is the largest Bulgarian producer of motor oils and the unquestionable leader in the Balkans. The company head office is in Rousse. Prista Oil EAD produces more than 150 types of motor and industrial oils. Prista Oil is involved also in the motor oils trade, transport and conservation.

Densi Stroy is the company which developed the shopping center Central Mall - Veliko Tarnovo – the first shopping mall that was opened outside the capital. Densi Stroy is a subsidiary of one of the biggest importers, distributors, and retailers of black and white techniques in the country Densi-M LTD. The company owns the exclusive rights for importing and selling in Bulgaria the electric goods under the brands of Hyundai, Snaige, Zelmer, Mastercook, Davoline, Imetec, etc. The company is a member of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and has a Certificate of Management Systems Quality.

Colliers International is a worldwide affiliation of independently owned and operated companies with more than 290 offices in over 60 countries worldwide. Worldwide Colliers manages real estate properties of more than 80.6 million m2, and has more than 11,000 employees. The company has been active in Bulgaria since 1991 and has become the unquestionable market leader in providing comprehensive real estate services. At the moment, Colliers in Bulgaria represents some of the most innovative and professionally designed projects in all segments of the real estate market, including offices and business parks, retail, logistics and industrial, residential, and holiday homes.