The event brought together representatives of the Slovenian government, the City of Ljubljana, project partners, and members of the press. The capsule, placed into the ground by all keynote speakers, served as a message to future generations – a gesture of continuity between the site’s ancient Roman heritage and its future role as a dynamic, multifunctional city centre. The capsule included a selection of symbolic items: a replica of a ceramic bowl, uncovered during the archaeological excavations of the Roman Emona, connecting Emonika with the people who once lived and worked on this very land, an Emonika pen as a small sybol of vision, planning and design, a detailed map of Ljubljana, a USB drive with concept materials and visuals of the future Emonika, four renders of the Emonika development, new railway station and the new bus terminal. And finally two newspapers, dated May 19th – the Slovenian daily Delo and Hungarian Magyar Nemzet, Nemzeti Sport and Nepszava.
The Emonika site has been earmarked for redevelopment for more than 17 years. Over the past five years, Mendota Invest d.o.o., a member of the OTP Group has led the planning, permitting, and preparation of the project, working closely with public institutions at both the national and municipal levels. More than a year of groundwork has already been completed. With today’s ceremony, the project transitions from preparatory works to full-scale construction.
Among the speakers were Dr. Sándor Csányi, Chairman of OTP Bank; Ms. Alenka Bratušek, Minister of Infrastructure; Mr. Matjaž Han, Minister of the Economy, Tourism and Sport; Mr. Rok Žnidaršič, Deputy Mayor of the City of Ljubljana and Alfred Watzl, member of the board of Strabag. They all reflected on the importance of the project for the capital and the broader region and underlined its contribution to urban renewal, sustainable development and the long-awaited transformation of a key transport and business hub in the heart of the city.
Ms. Alenka Bratušek, Minister of Infrastructure, added: »This location is becoming a hub that will connect not only people but also businesses, regions, and countries. The Emonika project is an important part of this vision, as it links transport functions with workspaces, housing, retail areas, and public services. It represents the "final touch" that completes the transport concept of the area and adds a special charm and uniqueness. This project shows how smart planning and partnership can reshape entire areas, not just physically, but in terms of how people experience their city. Thank you to Mendota Invest and OTP Group for recognising the importance of connecting infrastructure with urban life.«
Mr. Matjaž Han, Minister of the Economy, Tourism and Sport, said: »Let us continue fostering an environment where projects like this can succeed, because they are not just investments in buildings — they are investments in people, opportunity, and Slovenia’s future prosperity. I look forward to seeing Emonika become a key economic engine, adding energy and momentum to Ljubljana and contributing meaningfully to the growth of our national economy.«
Mr. Rok Žnidaršič, Deputy Mayor of the City of Ljubljana stated: »We are grateful to Dr. Sándor Csányi for his perseverance in bringing this project to life over the past six years. Perseverance and consistency are essential in the development of long-term projects. The design of this space was once so significant that it was undertaken by Professor Jože Plečnik himself. In the coming years, we will revive it again, in new dimensions. At the end of the project, we will be able to enjoy the view from the tallest building in the city, which will not only connect symbolically, but also offer a view of the Pannonian Plain and the Adriatic Sea.«
Market interest in Emonika has been strong across all segments. One hotel lease has already been signed, with the second progressing under advanced negotiations. Retail leasing is ongoing, and 25 – 30 % of the residential units are expected to be sold by the end of summer. The new headquarters of the merged OTP Bank in Slovenia will also be located within the development, underscoring OTP Group’s long-term commitment to the project and to Ljubljana. Completion is scheduled for the end of 2027.
Photos: Žiga Intihar
