We strive to do our best, to hire the best experts, to apply the highest world standards, and to constantly listen to the needs of Novi Sad’s citizens because their quality of life is the measuring unit for success
Serbian Athens, one of the monikers of Novi Sad, is developing daily, winning new titles and attracting new investors. We have talked to Novi Sad’s Mayor, Miloš Vučević about plans, the importance of Novi Sad being declared the European Culture Capital and various other topics.
What do you consider to be your biggest success as Mayor of Novi Sad?
— Success could also be a small matter if it influences the lives of Novi Sad’s citizens for better. Today, success is that each of our first-grade pupils has received textbooks, a backpack and school supplies as a gift from the city. Success is measured by both the number of babies born and jobs created. Success is also an enthusiasm that I have not lost, even though, regarding some plans, I have been slowed down by the administration. We strive to do the best for Novi Sad, to hire the best experts, to apply the highest world standards, and to constantly listen to the needs of Novi Sad’s citizens because the quality of their lives is the measuring unit for success.
What infrastructure works are ongoing and which are yet to start in Novi Sad?
— We have entered the final stages of the implementation of numerous capital projects: construction of a new music and ballet school with a concert hall, Science and Technology Park, the building of the Biosens Institute, the Radio and Television of Vojvodina (RTV) building, the culture and youth centre in the so-called Chinatown, improving utility infrastructure in parts of the city and building cultural stations, which are a new project that validates our policy that every part of Novi Sad is equally important to us, and that all people in Novi Sad are equally important, regardless of where they live – in the centre or on the outskirts. This is one of the biggest investment cycles in the history of Novi Sad, and our goal is to finish all the started projects and launch new ones; to build new bridges. Novi Sad was waiting for 19 years to regain what was destroyed during the NATO bombing. I won’t allow us having to wait for that many years again. We are preparing projects for the construction of at least two new bridges: one that will connect the city to the Srem bypass and the future Ruma – Sabac motorway, and the other that is intended for pedestrian and cyclists, that will rest on the pillars of the old Francis Joseph Bridge that will link the quay to the Petrovaradin Fortress. An urban – architectural competition for the preliminary design of the bridge has recently been launched. The design should include a tunnel and accessible bicycle and pedestrian paths on both banks of the Danube. We are also preparing a major project which entails the urbanization of the riverbank, the construction of a modern marina, rowing trails, and business and residential buildings, in the most beautiful location in Novi Sad, on the Danube bank. This is a new page in the development of Novi Sad that has been just a thought for decades. Of course, we are also preparing for the implementation of the European Capital of Culture project in 2021, and devising how our city can benefit permanently from two European titles it has been given.
A lot of commotion was called in Belgrade concerning the renovation of streets in the town centre. The same happened in Novi Sad but regarding SPENS (Vojvodina Sports and Business Centre). What is going on with that?
— Yes, something is finally going on with SPENS after decades of the building’s destruction and degradation. I had various ideas about what to do with SPENS, and now I have a solution that I believe Novi Sad’s citizens will be pleased with. Specifically, a study is being drafted to determine whether SPENS’ energy efficiency and reconstruction issues should be addressed through a combination of financial support and a public-private partnership or a monetary arrangement with a financial organization. The renovation of SPENS should begin in the spring. A document on cooperation was recently signed by the City of Novi Sad and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, which will also participate in procuring new city buses and developing an action plan for a cleaner city. Drafting of a feasibility study regarding the renovation of SPENS will be funded by the European Bank, and the reconstruction itself could cost up to 4.5 billion dinars. We have an idea to reconstruct SPENS in such a way that it ensures at least another 40 years of its vitality. Works will begin on a new energy mantle for SPENS which entails replacing the staircase and roof, followed by the works on air-conditioning and heating of the sports halls, swimming pool and public spaces. In addition to the renovation of the building, our idea is also to transform a segment of the interior into a High Technology, Artificial Intelligence and Information Technology Centre and we have officially submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Education for such centre to be established in Novi Sad. If SPENS had such a purpose, that would be a big deal for Novi Sad, especially since our city has all the capacities to open something like that. Furthermore, SPENS has a good location as the University and Science and Technology Park are nearby.
Why would you recommend investors to invest in Novi Sad? What is your strategy for attracting them?
— The best recommendation is the investors who are already operational in Novi Sad; i.e. multinational companies such as Lear and Aptiv, cumulatively employing over 5,000 people, and Continental, which has opened a Research and Development Centre, and already employs over 300 young engineers. The fact is that Novi Sad has become one of the most attractive locations for investors in recent years. We have completely equipped the new Industrial Zone North 4, located along the E75 motorway, we have built new boulevards, a bypass and the bridge at the site of the demolished Žeželj Bridge over which the Belgrade – Budapest fast railroad will pass. The new owner of the Port of Novi Sad – P&O Port Dubai – is starting with the reconstruction of the wharf. We have been the first to successfully implement the e-licensing system, we have numerous incentives for entrepreneurs, and another extremely important thing to mention is that the city is financially and politically stable.
New foreign investors are coming. Are you currently negotiating with other investors? What investments are going to be made in the upcoming period?
— There are many interested investors, but (bringing an investor) is a long process and I would not like to prejudice anything until a final agreement is reached. The residents of Novi Sad need to know that we have received an additional incentive for our city to a city with the best utility infrastructure. We will have as much as 127 million euro available for this from the state’s new investment plan, which is almost half of the city’s budget. We will complete the construction of a water supply and sewage network in all parts of the city, and a central sewage treatment plant which will be built to the highest environmental standards. Soon we will start afforestation of the city, with the assistance from consultants from the Faculty of Agriculture. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development will finance the drafting of an action plan for a cleaner city. We have signed a Certificate of Commitment to devise a Green City Action Plan. As part of this, an investment project will be launched,
focusing on the implementation of the highest environmental and energy efficiency systems: low-carbon buildings with climate resilience, water protection and wastewater and solid waste treatment, modernization of urban transport, street lighting, implementation of a municipal energy system and renewable energy infrastructure.
How important is the title of the European Culture Capital 2020 for Novi Sad?
— This means that many doors are open to us for further development in all segments of life, not only in culture because this is a project of national importance. In addition to the many cultural activities that are going to be realized and that we want to involve as many citizens of Novi Sad as possible in, culture stations will be built in many parts of the city, abandoned factories such as Svilara and the so-called Chinatown will be transformed into places for artists and the creative industry, we are renovating building facades and we restoring the streets below the Petrovaradin Fortress, and we are improving the Theatre Square and the old town centre.
Which performances did you attend at the EXIT Festival? Who would you like to see perform next year?
— This year’s EXIT Festival has broken all records, and it has long been a matter of prestige to perform on the Fortress and especially to perform at one of the world’s largest festivals. This year, I watched performances by to Van Gogh, Tom Walker and Greta van Fleet. I would never interfere with the lineup because there is always something for everyone’s taste. We need to let them do their job as usual. I also know that next year, when EXIT celebrates its 20th year, there will be great surprises.