Chapman Taylor's transformation of KING CROSS Zagreb creates a new generation of retail destination
Chapman Taylor's transformation of KING CROSS Zagreb creates a new generation of retail destination
Chapman Taylor's redesign of KING CROSS shopping centre in Zagreb, Croatia, has transformed one of the city's most established retail destinations into a contemporary shopping, dining and leisure environment, with a stronger connection to the surrounding community.
Working with owner and operator SES Spar European Shopping Centers, Chapman Taylor's studio in Düsseldorf has helped reinvent the centre, which first opened in 2002. The comprehensive refurbishment, representing an investment of more than €40 million, has increased the lettable area by approximately 10% to 38,500m², while introducing a distinctive architectural identity, enhanced retail environments and new social spaces.
Completed in September 2026, the transformation reimagines the traditional enclosed shopping centre as a more open, welcoming and experience-led destination.
Opening up the shopping centre
Central to Chapman Taylor's design is the concept of 'opening the box', transforming the previously enclosed building into an outward-looking destination that engages with its surroundings.
A striking red steel canopy, supported by sculptural, tree-inspired branching columns, creates a distinctive architectural landmark along the main façade. The structure defines a new pedestrian promenade, highlights the entrances and establishes a recognisable identity for the centre.
Expansive glazing, landscaped gardens, outdoor seating and restaurant terraces strengthen the connection between internal and external spaces, creating a more welcoming environment for visitors.
The Chapman Taylor Team attended the launch event
Creating a vibrant social destination
A key feature of the redevelopment is King's Garden, a new indoor and outdoor dining destination covering more than 1,000m². Bringing together seven gastronomic concepts, landscaped terraces and entertainment facilities, it creates a lively social environment inspired by the region's Mediterranean lifestyle.
Inside the centre, a redesigned central piazza provides a welcoming space for relaxation, events and social interaction. Natural daylight, integrated planting, contemporary materials, and refreshed shopfronts create a brighter, more attractive visitor experience.
The refurbishment has also introduced new and upgraded stores, including a flagship Decathlon, alongside improved family entertainment facilities and children's play areas.
Chapman Taylor's ambitious redesign of KING CROSS shopping centre in Zagreb, Croatia, is transforming one of the city's most established retail destinations into a contemporary shopping, dining and leisure environment, with a stronger connection to the surrounding urban landscape.
Working with developer and operator SES Spar European Shopping Centers, Chapman Taylor is helping to reinvent the shopping centre, which first opened in 2002, through a comprehensive refurbishment and extension that reimagines the traditional enclosed mall as a more open, welcoming and experience-led destination.
The project, representing an investment of more than €40 million by SES, introduces a new architectural identity, enhanced retail environments, improved circulation and a central piazza designed to become a vibrant meeting place for visitors and the wider community.
A key element of Chapman Taylor's design approach is the transformation of the existing enclosed shopping centre into a more outward-looking destination. By opening up the traditional mall layout and integrating the external forecourt, the scheme creates new opportunities for outdoor dining, social interaction and leisure, reflecting the Mediterranean lifestyle and character of the region.
The refurbishment also includes modernised retail spaces, new and upgraded stores, children's play areas and improved visitor facilities. The scheme is designed to strengthen the centre's established retail offer while introducing a more contemporary and engaging shopping experience.
Sustainability is an important consideration in the redevelopment. By retaining and adapting the existing building, the project demonstrates how established retail assets can be repositioned for the future without the need for wholesale replacement. Planned environmental improvements include a substantial rooftop photovoltaic installation, enhanced green spaces, electric vehicle charging facilities and improved connections to Zagreb's cycling infrastructure.
The transformation is being delivered in phases while the shopping centre remains operational, allowing retailers to continue trading throughout the redevelopment. The first fully refurbished section reopened in February 2025, introducing new retail brands and a flagship Decathlon store. Further openings have continued as the wider redevelopment progresses.
The project reflects a growing shift in retail architecture towards creating destinations that offer much more than shopping. Through adaptive reuse, contemporary design and the introduction of new social and leisure experiences, KING CROSS Zagreb is being repositioned as an attractive and sustainable place for people to shop, meet and spend time.
Chapman Taylor's work at KING CROSS demonstrates the practice's expertise in retail-led regeneration and the transformation of existing shopping centres into vibrant, future-focused destinations that respond to changing consumer expectations and support long-term commercial success.