The reconstruction of the Croatian Parliament building on St. Mark's Square has faced unexpected delays due to unforeseen structural issues discovered during the work. Originally scheduled to begin in autumn 2024, the project has already encountered complications that have forced officials to extend the deadline. The exact new completion date will be determined through an additional contract amendment, according to representatives of the Croatian Parliament. This delay comes as a result of complex construction challenges uncovered after the building was opened and layers of non-load-bearing materials were removed, revealing conditions that could not have been anticipated prior to the start of the project.
The building, located opposite the Banjaks Palace, suffered significant damage in both the Zagreb and Petrinja earthquakes of 2020. The roof partially collapsed during the Zagreb earthquake, while chimneys, the attic, and the third and fourth floors sustained damage. Walls and staircases cracked, and parts of the courtyard were also affected. The Petrinja earthquake further confirmed the need for a full-scale renovation of the structure, which had not undergone major repairs since approximately thirty years ago. At that time, the parliamentary chamber, restaurant, and café were renovated, and the halls on the first and second floors received modern updates.
The reconstruction project, valued at around 70 million euros including VAT, has been awarded to the company Ing-grad. Initially, potential completion dates included autumn 2027 and spring 2028, but these timelines now appear optimistic given the current developments. As of now, structural restoration efforts have focused on ensuring the stability of foundations and load-bearing walls on levels -2, -1, ground floor, and the first floor. Current activities include constructing reinforced concrete walls and reinforcing door openings on the second floor, installing electrical conduits and routes, and setting up heating and cooling systems. Masonry work, horizontal waterproofing, and basement floor slabs are also underway.
A particularly challenging phase involves the removal of the roof structure, including the cornice, friezes, and ceiling construction of the second floor, followed by the installation of a new steel roof framework. The third and fourth floors are being redesigned into more functional spaces, with offices and public content areas planned for these levels. The fourth floor will feature a new city view terrace accessible to the public, along with a separate entrance from Ul. 29. X. 1918. The renovation includes replacing internal and external window frames and implementing an energy-efficient solution based on renewable energy sources. After the renovations, the gross area of the building is expected to reach approximately 20,500 square meters.
Until the reconstruction is completed, members of parliament will continue their work at a temporary location—the Dr. Franjo Tuđman Military Academy in Zagreb’s Ilica district. The historical significance of the building adds another layer of complexity to its restoration. Designed by architects Lav Kaldá and Karlo Susan, the current two-story complex on the eastern side of St. Mark's Square has stood since the early 20th century. It became clear at the beginning of the 20th century that the Croatian Parliament and the Zagreb County administration could no longer operate in the same building. In 1907, the Royal Croatian-Slavonian-Dalmatian Government purchased several houses on St. Mark's Square and surrounding streets to accommodate the growing needs of the institutions.
The ongoing delays highlight the intricate nature of restoring such a historically significant and structurally compromised building. While the initial plans aimed for a timely return to the iconic location, the unforeseen challenges have necessitated a reassessment of the project's scope and timeline. With the focus shifting towards ensuring the long-term stability and functionality of the structure, the final outcome remains uncertain, though the commitment to completing the work remains steadfast.
The impact of the earthquakes on the building's integrity has underscored the necessity of this extensive renovation. Beyond the immediate structural concerns, there is also a desire to restore the building's representative spaces and façade, preserving its decorative elements. These considerations reflect a broader effort to honor the building's historical legacy while adapting it to contemporary standards of safety, accessibility, and sustainability.
As the reconstruction continues, the temporary relocation of the Parliament highlights the logistical challenges involved in maintaining governance functions during such large-scale infrastructure projects. The situation also raises questions about the balance between historical preservation and practicality in urban planning and architectural conservation. Despite these complexities, the project represents a significant investment in Croatia's political and cultural heritage, aiming to ensure that the rebuilt Parliament building serves as a symbol of resilience and continuity for future generations.
5 reports
Novi listIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 9018 days agoThe reconstruction of the Croatian Parliament building on St. Mark's Square has been delayed due to unforeseen construction challenges discovered during the work. The project, which began in autumn 2024, was initially expected to be completed by autumn next year or spring 2028, but delays have pushed back the timeline. The delays stem from unexpected structural conditions found after opening up the building’s framework and removing non-load-bearing layers. These issues required additional design adjustments and changes to technical solutions, affecting the pace of construction. So far, structural restoration and ensuring the stability of foundations and load-bearing walls on levels -2, -1, ground floor, and first floor have been completed. Current work includes constructing reinforced concrete walls and strengthening door openings on the second floor, installing electrical and mechanical systems, and laying brickwork and waterproofing in basement areas. A major task involves dismantling the roof structure of the second floor and preparing for new steel construction. The third and fourth floors will feature new public-facing spaces, including a new city view terrace on the fourth. A
Bias read (Center): The article provides a balanced overview of the situation, citing the Parliament's explanation for the delays without taking a clear stance on the issue. It reports on the technical challenges faced during the reconstruction without apparent bias toward any political group or outcome.
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 90): Same factual content as others, including mention of new damage discovered. Objectivity holds up well, though there’s a slight emphasis on the impact on representatives, which adds a touch of emotional weight.
Net.hrIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 9018 days agoThe reconstruction of the Croatian Parliament building on St. Mark's Square has been delayed due to unexpected structural issues discovered during the work. The project, which began in autumn 2024, was initially expected to be completed by autumn 2027 or spring 2028, but now faces further delays. The delays stem from unforeseen conditions revealed after opening the structure and removing non-load-bearing layers, requiring additional design adjustments and technical changes. Current work includes reinforcing walls, installing electrical and mechanical systems, and constructing new steel roofing. Once completed, the building will have expanded spaces for public access, energy-efficient solutions, and restored decorative elements. Until then, parliament members will continue working in a temporary location at the Dr. Franjo Tuđman Military Academy in Zagreb.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual account of construction delays with no overtly biased language or selective sourcing. It explains the reasons for the delay objectively and does not favor any political side or agenda.
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 90): All key facts match other reports, including the contractor, cost, and delay causes. Objectivity is maintained, though some phrasing suggests impatience with the delay.
HRT (Hrvatska radiotelevizija)State / PublicCenterFactual 95Objective 9018 days agoThe reconstruction of the Croatian Parliament building on St. Mark's Square, which began in autumn 2024, has been delayed due to unforeseen construction conditions discovered during the work. The new completion deadline will be set by an amendment to the contract, according to the Parliament's response. The building suffered damage from earthquakes in Zagreb and Petrinja in 2020 and was assigned to the company Ing-grad with an estimated investment of 70 million euros including VAT. Unplanned interventions have slowed down the reconstruction, requiring additional project adjustments and changes to technical solutions. Work has been completed on structural restoration and ensuring the static stability of foundations and load-bearing walls on floors -2, -1, ground floor, and first floor. Current projects include reinforced concrete wall construction, reinforcement of door openings on the second floor, installation of electrical piping and routes, and mechanical installations (heating and cooling). Bricklaying and plastering of walls, horizontal waterproofing, and basement floor slabs are also underway. On the fourth floor, a new public viewing platform for citizens will be created, as
Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual account of delays in the reconstruction of the Croatian Parliament building, citing technical challenges and contractual amendments. It does not exhibit overtly biased language, one-sided sourcing, or editorializing. The information is presented neutrally, focusing on
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 90): Factual accuracy is high as all articles report the same core information about delays due to unforeseen construction issues. The details align with cross-source consensus. Objectivity is good but slightly lower due to some emotionally charged phrasing like 'još malo pričekati' which implies frustra
N1 HrvatskaIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 9018 days agoThe reconstruction of Croatia's parliamentary building on St. Mark's Square has been delayed due to unforeseen construction challenges discovered during the work. The project, which began in autumn 2024, was initially expected to be completed by autumn next year or spring 2028, but delays have pushed back the timeline. The building suffered damage from earthquakes in Zagreb and Petrinja in 2020 and has been assigned to the company Ing-grad with an estimated investment value of €70 million including VAT. The delays stem from unexpected structural conditions requiring additional design adjustments and technical solutions. Current work includes reinforcing concrete walls, installing electrical and mechanical systems, and preparing for new steel roof structures. The fourth floor will become a public viewing platform with an outdoor terrace, while the third and fourth floors will feature new public spaces and offices.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a balanced overview of the situation, citing the parliament's explanation for the delays without taking a clear stance on the implications or assigning blame. It focuses on factual updates regarding the reconstruction process and does not exhibit overtly biased language or one-s
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 90): Consistent with other sources on the delay reasons and project timeline. No significant factual discrepancies. Objectivity remains strong but similar to item 0, with minor emotional undertones in phrasing.
tportalIndependentCenter18 days agoThe reconstruction of the Croatian Parliament building, damaged by earthquakes in Zagreb and Petrinja in 2020, has faced delays due to unforeseen structural issues discovered during the work. The project, valued at €70 million including VAT, was awarded to the company Ing-grad and began in autumn 2024. Initial plans suggested completion by autumn 2025 or spring 2028, but delays have pushed back the timeline further. The Parliament explained that unexpected conditions required additional design adjustments and technical solutions, affecting construction progress. Current work includes reinforcing concrete walls, installing electrical and mechanical systems, and preparing for new steel roof structures. The fourth floor will become a public viewing platform with an outdoor terrace, while the third and fourth floors will house new public-facing offices. The renovation also includes replacing interior and exterior windows, energy-efficient upgrades using renewable resources, and restoring representative spaces and façades. Until the reconstruction is complete, MPs continue their work at a temporary location in Zagreb.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a balanced overview of the situation, citing the Parliament's explanations for delays without taking a clear stance on the political implications. It focuses on factual updates regarding the reconstruction process, technical challenges, and planned renovations, avoiding any bias
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