This is how CC Real is making shopping centers more sustainable in Croatia and beyond!

Real estate investor and operator CC Real is setting new standards for sustainable shopping centers in Europe after the successful renovation of City Center one Split.

Over the past 1.5 years, CC Real has invested more than EUR 20 million into modernizing one of the leading shopping centers in the Dalmatia region—all while staying fully operational.

The goal?

To create a modern, functional, and eco-friendly space that meets the evolving needs of visitors and adds value to its 200 tenants.

The result?

City Center one Split is now:

• The first property in Croatia to achieve full compliance with EU-Taxonomy standards.
• Awarded the DGNB Gold Certificate—one of the world’s most respected benchmarks for sustainable construction and real estate management.

This achievement represents a significant step toward climate change mitigation, aligning with the European Union’s environmental goals.

“We are very proud of these certificates. Economic success and ecological responsibility can go hand in hand. Increased resilience to climate risks, lower operating costs, increased market value, and greater attractiveness for investors and tenants are the competitive advantages we see for ourselves on the market,” said Sven Vorih, Managing Partner of CC Real.

These innovations position City Center one Split as a role model for sustainable development in the real estate sector.

So, How Did They Do It?

The renovation of the 60,000m2 shopping center, which attracts over 6.5 million visitors annually, was more than just a facelift.

It was a comprehensive transformation into a modern, community-focused hub.

Key upgrades included:

• 16,000 m² of revamped retail space
• A large green wall with 1,000 plants
• Installation of energy-efficient LED lighting
• Implementation of water-saving solutions

“Through this project, we aimed to strengthen the center’s position as a hub for the local community by creating a space for relaxation, socializing, and shopping—a place where the residents of Split and the surrounding areas will enjoy spending their time. The city is still the city—it has just become even better,” said Nikola Lozina, Center Manager of CC Real.

New Dining & Retail Experiences

The renovation brought more than eco-friendly features—it also introduced new tenant experiences to enrich the visitor journey.

Over 40 tenants renewed their store concepts or relocated within the center to optimize the shopping flow.

Notable highlights include:

• The first Batak restaurant in Split—a popular dining chain with a strong local following.
• The upcoming opening of Koykan, which will add to the center’s diverse culinary offerings.

 “Same Place, New Memories”: A Community-Centric Vision

Beyond the retail upgrades, the center has also modernized its communal areas.

11,000 m² of shared spaces were redesigned to create inviting, comfortable environments for socializing and relaxation.

By the end of the year, the center will launch a new entertainment zone offering:

• Interactive activities for all ages.
• Social gathering spots to foster connections.
• Unique experiences.

With a campaign called “Same Place, New Memories.”, this community-focused approach is helping City Center one Split evolve from a shopping destination into a lively community hub—setting a new benchmark for retail centers across Europe.

Sustainability Meets Financial Success

The renovation project’s success demonstrates that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand.

By integrating eco-conscious practices with modern design and functionality, CC Real has not only enhanced the shopping experience but also future-proofed the center’s operations.

Key benefits of the upgrades:

• Lower operating costs through energy-efficient systems.
• Reduced climate risk exposure due to eco-friendly infrastructure.
• Increased property value and tenant appeal.

These long-term benefits position City Center one Split as a pioneering force in Croatia’s retail industry.

About CC Real

CC Real operates a total of four shopping centers in Croatia.

Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Vienna, CC Real is a leading real estate investor and operator with EUR 3 billion in managed assets across Europe.

The company employs over 200 professionals across multiple countries and offers a full-service package that includes:

• Investment Services (transactions, fund & portfolio management)
• Real Estate Management (Asset, Property, Facility, and Construction Management; EU Taxonomy; Green Building Certification; and Leasing).

CC Real has partnered with major institutional investors, including:

• Morgan Stanley Real Estate Investors
• Hyprop Investments
• Prominent family offices

By blending economic success with ecological responsibility, CC Real continues to shape the future of sustainable retail across Europe.

For more information, visit cc-real.com