In Novska, a project is being realized that will shape the future of Sisak-Moslavina County and the Croatian gaming industry – the Gaming Industry Center. The first phase of construction is currently underway, with its value increased to 38,657,181.00 euros, and it includes a faculty, student dormitory, power plant, road, and sports facilities: a swimming pool, sports hall, and outdoor courts.
In parallel, the second phase of the project has been prepared, worth 37,738,646.07 euros, for which all building permits have been obtained, the feasibility study completed, and the project is in the notification process with the European Commission. This phase envisages the construction of an accelerator with 220 workstations and a VR studio, as well as an incubator with 108 workstations and a large video game testing hall with a capacity of 2,500 seats. The financing for the second phase is secured from the Just Transition Fund.
PROGRESS ON THE CONSTRUCTION SITE
Work on the first phase is visible daily. Beneath the future buildings of the Faculty and student dormitory, the ground has been reinforced with piles, reinforced concrete foundation slabs and waterproofing have been installed, and the load-bearing structures of the ground floor have been erected. Currently, the walls of the first floor and the remaining parts of the slabs above the ground floor are being concreted. The sports hall and swimming pool are progressing with reinforcement and concreting of structures, while at the power plant, the reinforcement of the foundation soil has been completed, rebar has been placed, and the foundation slab is currently being concreted. The road has been filled with a buffer layer along its entire length, ensuring a stable base for further development. The construction site is a bustling hub of activity, with cranes and teams of experts making daily progress towards the completion of works.
Andreja Šeperac, director of the Public Institution Regional Coordinator of Sisak-Moslavina County, states: “The Gaming Industry Center project has been underway since June 2024. This year, on March 3, we introduced the contractor to the job, and today we can proudly say that the first outlines of the Center are visible: the faculty and student dormitory buildings are rising, the sports hall is being built, the road is filled with a buffer layer along its entire length, two cranes dominate the construction site, and there is a significant daily flow of people. In parallel with the construction work, the RK SMŽ is carrying out other activities: project social media has been launched, a website is under development, project reports are being prepared, and all documentation is being managed, etc. With the completion of this phase of the project, Sisak-Moslavina County will gain a faculty building, a student dormitory, a power plant, sports facilities, and roads.”“
Upon completion of both construction phases, the Gaming Industry Center will be the most modern of its kind in Europe, enabling higher education, practical work and experience acquisition, access to equipment and training, mentorship, and project development. Thus, Sisak-Moslavina County will become a key destination for the gaming industry in Croatia and the region. The project holder is the Public Institution Regional Coordinator of Sisak-Moslavina County, with partners Sisak-Moslavina County, SIMORA Development Agency, and the City of Novska.
