We spoke to Roux Gerber, Head of Developments at Atterbury Europe, to learn more about the vision, design and impact of this remarkable project.

What inspired the redevelopment of the former Carbochim industrial platform into a mixed-use destination?

The Iulius Group identified a clear need for additional retail space in Cluj-Napoca. The existing Iulius Mall is fully let with no room for existing brands to expand their footprint and new brands to enter the market. Research confirmed this demand, showing that Cluj-Napoca’s retail offering per capita was much lower than other Romanian cities and neighbouring countries.

Cluj-Napoca is not only the most desired city to live in Romania, but it has also been voted as one of the top 10 desired places to live in Europe. When looking for a suitable site, the Carbochim factory stood out. It offers an ideal location by the Someș River, close to the city centre and is well-positioned to benefit from the municipality’s infrastructure expansion programme. This project reflects the city’s vision of enhancing residents’ quality of life and the partnership between Iulius Group and Atterbury Europe leverages the expertise of both companies to bring it to life.

How does the development’s urban park align with the city’s green corridor strategy?

From the outset, the vision was to go beyond a typical retail structure. We wanted to create an integrated urban park, much like what we achieved with Iulius Town in Timișoara but on an even grander scale. The park at Rivus Cluj will link across the Someș River with pedestrian bridges, seamlessly connecting it to the existing green spaces developed by the municipality. This green-blue corridor will not only beautify the area but also enhance the quality of life for residents, offering a tranquil space within the bustling city.

Illustration: How Rivus Cluj fits into the city’s vision and development plan.

“Our vision for Rivus Cluj is to create more than just a retail space – we are building an integrated urban park for the people of Cluj-Napoca.”

What entertainment and cultural offerings can residents and visitors expect?

Rivus Cluj is designed to provide entertainment for all age groups, including state-of-the-art cinemas, children’s play areas, auditoriums and themed gardens. A dedicated cultural centre will be housed in a historic arch building that we are carefully renovating. This space will honour the site’s heritage while offering cultural events, exhibitions and development programmes that will enrich the community.

Sustainability is a key focus of the project. Can you elaborate on the sustainability strategies being implemented?

Sustainability has been embedded in the project from the start. Demolition work, now more than 90% complete, has followed strict protocols to minimise environmental impact, including dust control and material recycling. Rivus Cluj is targeting LEED certification, with energy-efficient designs and photovoltaic panels forming part of our energy strategy. Waste management will focus on recycling, and we are integrating green spaces throughout the site to promote biodiversity and well-being. So, Rivus Cluj is not only aligned with Iulius Group and Atterbury Europe’s visions but also with the vision of the city of Cluj-Napoca and its community.

How will the project benefit the local economy and community?

Cluj-Napoca is already one of the most desirable cities to live in Romania and has some of the highest wages outside Bucharest. Rivus Cluj will open new avenues for local businesses, create employment opportunities and provide residents with an innovative, sustainable urban environment. The entertainment offerings and green spaces will also enhance the city’s social fabric, creating spaces for relaxation and personal growth.

What infrastructure upgrades are being planned to improve accessibility?

From initial concept development, we worked closely with the City Hall of Cluj-Napoca to align our plans with the city’s infrastructure expansion and upgrade strategy. New pedestrian and road bridges will improve connectivity, while dedicated cycle paths, bicycle storage, bus stops and drop-off zones will further enhance mobility. Our goal is to ensure that Rivus Cluj is easily accessible to all, reinforcing its role as a vibrant hub for the community.

How are you preserving the industrial heritage of the site?

Two heritage buildings from the former Carbochim site are being carefully restored. The administrative building will retain its original façade while being transformed internally to house modern office and retail spaces. The “Hall with Arches,” another heritage structure, will become a cultural venue, paying homage to the site’s past while embracing its new role in the community.

“Sustainability is not an afterthought; it’s the foundation of every decision we’ve made for Rivus Cluj.”

How are you preserving the industrial heritage of the site?

Two heritage buildings from the former Carbochim site are being carefully restored. The administrative building will retain its original façade while being transformed internally to house modern office and retail spaces. The “Hall with Arches,” another heritage structure, will become a cultural venue, paying homage to the site’s past while embracing its new role in the community.

What’s next in the project timeline?

Rivus Cluj received its Zonal Urbanistic Plan (PUZ) and with the demolition phase nearing completion, we are now focusing on securing the necessary permits to continue the construction activity on site. BuildCorp, our main contractor, is already on-site and making great progress. The Iulius team is far advanced with leasing discussions, and we expect the development to be completed within the next three and a half years. It’s an exciting time as all the elements come together to shape the future of Rivus Cluj.

Rivus Cluj represents the future of urban living, where sustainability, culture and commerce come together to create a vibrant community. With its innovative design, green spaces and thoughtful integration of heritage elements, this development is set to redefine city life in Cluj-Napoca. As Roux Gerber highlighted, Rivus Cluj aligns with the city’s broader vision and is set to deliver long-term economic, social and environmental benefits. For more on this transformational development go to https://www.rivus.ro/en/home/