First shopping mall at Montenegrin seaside - construction of "Kamelija" in Kotor

Construction of shopping center "Kamelija" in Kotor, the first facility of the kind at Montenegrin seaside, has commenced. Investor "Napredak AD Kotor" intends to invest between 7 and 8m EUR in construction of the complex at total surface of 13,770 square meters, mainly from its own sources, and the whole project should be finished by the end of March 2010.

- Shopping center "Kamelija" is being built in the location of old department store with the same name, which was built after the earthquake in 1979, only 100 meters away from the walls of Old City in Kotor, which represents a great challenge for the investor - said Duško Blečić, the Chief and Executive Director of company "Napredak AD" .

According to his words, the investor's ambition is to introduce various contents in order to make it possible for "Kamelija" to become the gathering place of the citizens of Kotor and tourists, as well as the citizens of the whole region, from Dubrovnik to Ulcinj.

He said that the partners of "Napredak" in realization of that project were companies "MACE", "BusinessArt", "Communis" and Law firm Kolarević.

Duško Blečić told "eKapija" that they had decided to have their department store reconstructed because there was no similar concept of trade center anywhere in broader region. As he explained, Kotor "lives" 10 months a year and, in addition to local citizens, there is always a large number of tourists from all around the world.

He pointed out that the shopping center was not going to be big enough for all interested tenants, so that the real selection would have to be made.

As he said, the prices of rent will be formed in mid-July, while all rental activities will be coordinated by company "MACE".

That consulting company, which run the projects for construction of shopping malls "Delta City" in Belgrade and Podgorica, will be supervising construction of "Kamelija" as well.

The project leader in company "MACE", Marina Jovičić, told "eKapija" that the works on tearing down old department store had commenced on June 1st and that they would last until July 2nd when they would be stopped because of the summer season. The works will resumed on September 15th.

- The works on tearing down internal walls are being carried out by building company "Cetinje", while the tenders for rest of the works are underway. Contracts for all works will be signed prior to the beginning of August – she said and pointed out that the whole "MACE" procedure would be respected during the works on that facility.

The project for construction of shopping center "Kamelija" has been elaborated by architect Mladen Krekić from Podgorica, who points out that the facility must meet the requests of UNESCO since the city of Kotor is under its protection.

As he explained, shopping center "Kamelija" will be an exclusive retail center - stylish, ellegant, friendly and modern place, the place for fun and pleasant shopping, while its contents and offer will contribute a lot to improvement of quality of life in the region.

The three-level facility (ground floor and two storeys) will comprise 35 to 40 outlets and parking lot with 120 parking places.

Supermarket at 400 square meters and 13 outlets at 25 to 270 square meters will be situated on the ground floor. The first floor is reserved for 11 outlets at 50 to 370 square meters, restaurant and cafeteria with belonging balconies. The second floor will offer total of 10 outlets at 50 to 300 square meters, playhouse for kids at 300 square meters, gym at 200 square meters, and two cafeterias with balconies.

(Nikola Konjević, Boško Blečić, Marina Jovičić, Mladen Krekić)

The Mayor of Kotor, Nikola Konjević, expressed satisfaction because of the construction of new shopping center and pointed out that that facility would employ 250 people.

Various contents in "Kamelija"

With its position, interior, contents and high level of security, shopping center "Kamelija" will be more than just a place for shopping because it will become the center of city events. It will comprise the most various retail facilities of famous domestic and foreign manufacturers and it will offer entertainment programmes for the whole family.

Integral part of the offer of the new center will be various kinds of cultural (performances, concerts, plays, shows for kids...) fashion, entertainment and interactive happenings whose contents and creative methods will enrich the ambience and, primarily, ensure larger number of visitors and potential consumers.

Why "Kotor"?

Kotor, famous as a university center (Faculty of Maritime Affairs, Faculty of Tourism, Faculty of Hotel Management), lives almost the same during the whole year.

It is situated in one of the most beautiful bays of the world. Concerning the investments and prospects it offers, it stands out as the regional center and represents an ideal location for the center of shopping, business and entertainment. The location in the very center of Kotor and excelently developed traffic infrastructure make shopping mall "Kamelija" easily accessible.

Connection with "Delta"

Although "Napredak AD" signed contract on strategic partnership with "Delta Maxi Group" at the end of July 2008, through company "ELA" Kotor, which owns 15 retail facilities on the territory between Kotor and Podgorica, Duško Blečić has denied the claims that the Belgrade-based company stands behind "Kamelija" project.

According to his words, strategic partnership of "Napredak" and "Delta" exclusively concerns retail trade, and the Belgrade-based company will apply for rental of supermarket within shopping center "Kamelija" under the same terms as all other interested companies.

"Expo group"

Founded in 1950, "Napredak AD" Kotor is one of the oldest trade companies in Montenegro. It is a member of "Expo group", one of the most successful groups in Montenegro, of which other members are "Expo commerce", importer and distributor of world-famous brands for the territory of Montenegro, and company "Exponat", which offers retail trade services.

The group also includes "Autoboka", which operates in the domain of road traffic and tourism, as well as "Food Industry", the manufacturer of coffee of famous brand "Nero Cafe".

M.K.