VRŠAC – On June 12, 2015, the Mayor of Vršac Čedomir Živković, the U.S. Ambassador Michael D. Kirby, and the President of the NALED Managing Board Vladan Atanasijević attended a ceremony to mark the completion of the first phase in the redevelopment of the former “Army Club" Brownfield Site in Vršac.

During the past months, with U.S. Government and NALED support, this abandoned and unused building complex of the former Army Club has begun to be transformed into an inspirational space for the public and entrepreneurs to boost the municipality’s tourist and cultural offerings.

“The United States Government and NALED have chosen to support this project because we believe that renewed public spaces can completely change the landscape of cities and municipalities. Innovatively transformed locations have the potential to become landmarks, generate investments, and open new jobs,” said Ambassador Michael D. Kirby.

USAID and NALED have invested approximately $20,000 for the project’s initial reconstruction efforts. The Vršac municipality has provided access to water, electricity, the sewage system, and has also contributed to reconstruction works. USAID also organized a study visit to the Netherlands for ten municipality officials and representatives of local businesses to learn about best practices in brownfield redevelopment.

"Today, we made an important first step together, to reconstruct this Army Club and its neighborhood and make it sustainable. It provides the best that Vršac has to offer to all of its citizens and visitors," said Mayor Čedomir Živković.

"In the reconstructed space citizens will be able to enjoy the culture of Vršac, music and local wines," said Gabriel Raul Pena, a renowned Dutch architect, who developed a business plan that will provide the framework and timeline for the completion of this revitalization project and its future use.

The development of the center will be carried out in phases, over the next few years, with the hopes of attracting investors that will become permanent tenants and develop projects that will encourage economic and cultural development. “We hope that this Brownfield redevelopment project will serve as a model for other towns and municipalities,” said Mr. Atanasijević.