One of the symbols of Sofia – The Central Department Store (TSUM) will be revived. The building is currently almost empty. Only the ground floor and ground floor are working and partially. On the ground floor there is an office of “Sofia Voda”, a meeting space and a restaurant, and on the ground floor – store of a foreign retail chain.
However, the situation is about to change and the building will be filled with life again. It is planned to have a 5-star hotel, a museum and a shopping area, as well as a SPA center, restaurants and attractions, a convention area and shared office spaces. In addition, a business center and an accelerator focused on promoting cooperation between the private sector in Bulgaria and the Arab countries will be built. There will also be luxury shops with a special presentation reminiscent of the art of Ancient Egypt.
The concept was presented by Ahmed Nasser, founder and director of Antika World, to Tsvetan Simeonov, chairman of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI).
Antika World is entrusted with the transformation of the emblematic building. In 2004, it was bought by Plovdiv businessman Georgi Gergov for EUR 30 million.
The implementation of the large-scale project is planned to last 20 years, and we should witness the first changes as early as 2025. “The goal is to restore the functionality of the Center as a modern symbol of Sofia with an excellent location and utility for society”, said Ahmed Nasser, founder and director of Antika World.
The public presentation of the transformation of the Center will be on September 19 in the building of the BTPP.
CUM was designed by arch. Dimitar Pisinov in 1956. It opened its doors a year later and for many years held the title of “largest shopping center” in the Balkans. Its commercial area is 19,000 sq.m., spread over 6 floors. There is also an office part of 11,000 sq.m., which extends over 3 floors.
TCUM was privatized in 2001, when it also underwent reconstruction – separate shops are distinguished.
You can see detailed statistics on average property prices in Bulgaria by cities and neighborhoods HERE