The Forum Business Center II project was initially intended to be a continuation of the already established administrative complex by developer HB Reavis. However, due to a slowdown in their development activities in Bratislava, the project was sold to a new owner who decided to make a dramatic change – transforming the project into a residential complex.
Located in the prominent area at the corner of Bajkalská and Prievozská streets, the Forum Business Center II falls within the Mlynské Nivy locality, which is undergoing a significant transformation from post-industrial to a dynamic urban area with administrative buildings, residential complexes, and commercial establishments.
The new owner, Pressburg Urban Project a.s., a company closely associated with Metrostav, has submitted a third modification to the project for environmental impact assessment (EIA). This modification involves changing the administrative function to residential, along with adjustments in height and parking spaces. Despite these changes, the original footprint of the building remains unchanged.
The project aims to convert most of the office spaces into residential units, with a 15-story building featuring four underground levels for parking. The plan includes 208 apartments for 506 residents, with a mix of one to four-bedroom units, each equipped with a balcony, garden, or terrace. The project also includes amenities such as commercial spaces and potentially a kindergarten.
The main entrance to the building will be from the north side, facing the busy Prievozská street, while a secondary entrance on the east side will connect to the elevated terrain of Forum Business Center I. The visualizations of the project have not been released yet, but the architectural design by TXT suggests a departure from the original concept by Siebert + Talaš.
While the estimated costs and timeline for construction have not been specified, it is expected that construction could commence in the coming year. The project aligns with the Urban Plan, despite the change in function, as the capacity for civic amenities in the area has already been exhausted by the first phase.
The transformation of Forum Business Center II into a residential complex reflects a trend in the market where office spaces are being repurposed into residential units. This shift is seen as a more secure investment compared to building new office spaces, especially with several projects already securing pre-leased tenants.
The project will contribute to the gradual transformation of Mlynské Nivy into a vibrant urban area, in line with the City Urban Study vision of a 15-minute city with mixed-use block development. While the project deviates from this vision, it adds a unique accent to the area and utilizes previously underutilized land for a more efficient urban space.
Overall, the development of Forum Business Center II signifies the ongoing revitalization of Mlynské Nivy, replacing outdated structures with modern urban developments. The project is expected to blend seamlessly with the evolving landscape of the area, contributing to the overall attractiveness and functionality of the neighborhood.