COLAS HRVATSKA d.d

Objective

Restoration of a former gravel extraction site for a recreational purpose.

Context

COLAS HRVATSKA d.d, formerly called Cesta Varaždin d.d, is one of the leaders and largest asphalt products manufacturers in the Republic of Croatia. At the site, the exploitation started in the 60s and lasted until 2013. In 2013, the company stopped all activities on this site and removed all installations, starting a rehabilitation according to the instructions of the mining and environmental inspectorate.

Solution

The exploitation continued 200 meters further to the restored area.

The company made all infrastructures for leisure and sport, refurbishing beach and grass.

Afterwards, COLAS Hrvatska sold the land to a touristic company which managed the site for several years until they went bankrupt during the economic recession between 2008 and 2015. In 2017, the city of Varaždin decided to revitalise this project and restarted its activities of refurbishment.

Result

There are numerous activities for entertainment (swimming area, catering facilities, fishing, tennis, playgrounds, etc.) and the beach has been designated “international blue flag” for many consecutive years.