A long-dormant industrial site in northwestern Croatia is set for a major transformation. On August 18, 2025, SES Spar European Shopping Centers (SES) officially broke ground on the S-PARK Varaždin, a €28 million retail park project that will bring new commercial life to the grounds of the former Varteks textile factory.
The development, spanning a 50,000-sq m area along Varaždin’s heavily frequented Zagrebačka ulica, is designed to blend modern retail amenities with references to the city’s industrial heritage. Construction begins with the demolition of existing structures, followed in two months by vertical building works. Completion is planned for 2027.
When finished, S-PARK Varaždin will feature 12 shops, a range of service providers, and gastronomy with outdoor seating. At its core will be the region’s first Interspar hypermarket, expected to anchor the site and strengthen local retail offerings. The project will also provide 430 parking spaces, including e-charging stations, as well as bicycle facilities and improved road access with a new roundabout.
“The S-PARK Varaždin creates a comprehensive shopping and local supply offering for the region,” said SES CEO Christoph Andexlinger. “What is particularly special is that this historically and emotionally significant site in Varaždin will make a strong comeback in 2027.”
City officials welcomed the project as a boost for both consumers and the local economy. “Varaždin is a city of entrepreneurship and the best place to live in Croatia,” said Deputy Mayor Miroslav Marković. “Every investor who creates new jobs, brings added quality to our city, and shows social responsibility is welcome. The arrival of SES and the new S-PARK will provide citizens with new opportunities on the former Varteks grounds.”
The architectural design incorporates elements of the site’s distinctive red-brick industrial buildings, maintaining a visual link to the past while introducing modern construction and sustainability measures. SES has committed to energy-efficient solutions such as LED lighting, photovoltaic-ready infrastructure, and facilities for e-mobility.
With around 46,000 inhabitants, Varaždin is one of Croatia’s economically strongest cities, with high purchasing power and a growing population. The retail park will serve nearby residential areas including Džurek, Brezje, Bronx, and Biškupec, alongside landmarks such as the local football stadium and swimming pool.
SES, headquartered in Salzburg, Austria, operates 31 shopping destinations across Central and Southeastern Europe, including the King Cross Zagreb mall. The company has been active in Croatia since 2009 and is currently modernizing King Cross into what it calls the country’s “most advanced shopping destination.”
By extending its S-PARK brand into Varaždin, SES aims to consolidate its position in Croatia’s retail property market, while simultaneously revitalizing one of the city’s most storied industrial sites.
