Abandoned Inlet goes down in history, revealed as it all comes crashing down to 14,000 square meters of attractive waterfront space.

The city of Rijeka has announced plans to begin work on the revitalization of the long-neglected area of Preluk by the end of this year. The project, which spans approximately 14,000 square meters of attractive coastal space, aims to completely transform the site into a public recreational area. According to current projections by the City of Rijeka, the initial works will start towards the end of the year. The total value of the project is estimated at around 2.7 million euros. Among the planned activities are the planting of over 200 new trees and more than 1,000 native shrubs, along with the development of walking paths, a central amphitheater, children’s playground, and a fitness zone. The project also includes the installation of birdhouses and bat boxes, highlighting efforts to support local wildlife. The project is scheduled to be completed by July 2028, as outlined in the signed agreement for EU co-financing. Additionally, private capital is expected to contribute one million euros toward adapting the former restaurant complex known as “Skale.” However, the area managed directly by the city, covering roughly 22,500 square meters, is located north of the road leading to Opatija. This raises questions about why the comprehensive redevelopment of the southern part of the coastline, including the large sand parking lot, has not yet been initiated. Officials from the City of Rijeka explained that this area is part of a separate phase of the project, referred to as Phase D2. They noted that additional design options need to be developed before the final decision can be made, due to the complexity of aligning diverse interests such as recreation, use of maritime property, existing concessions, traffic infrastructure, and user requirements. Simultaneously, another segment of the western coast, spanning 582 meters, is set to undergo transformation. This section includes parts of Šetalište Milića Jadrasa and the coastal strip near the beaches of Akademija and Kostanj. The cost of this portion is estimated at four million euros, with three million coming from EU funds through a call issued last autumn by the Ministry of State Property. The project involves reconstructing and expanding the existing seaside promenade, restoring access to the sea and staircases, and building new public lighting and utility infrastructure. Special attention is given to accessibility, ensuring the promenade is suitable for people with disabilities and reduced mobility. Additional features include spaces for relaxation, a children's playground, outdoor fitness areas, and landscaping with indigenous plant species. With the realization of these two projects, valued together at nearly six and a half million euros, the entire stretch of Rijeka’s coastline, from the Hilton Hotel on Kostabeli to the border with Opatija, will be rejuvenated. However, the sections extending westward from Kostabeli, towards the pools of Kantrida and Bivio, remain underdeveloped. As of now, there are no precise timelines for their completion. For the D section, only an alternative conceptual solution has been prepared. For the B section, further project documentation must be finalized and aligned with the legal status of the land. Once these steps are completed, along with securing funding sources, planning for the implementation of these sections can proceed.