The groundbeaking ceremony of "Grand Plaza" centre in Rousse

Sofia News Agency

The official groundbreaking ceremony of the "Grand Plaza" complex was held today in Ruse.

The complex is considered one of the biggest in its scale and significance, joint public and private projects in Bulgaria.

The beginning of the construction works was inaugurated by Ivaylo Kalfin, Depute Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Bulgaria. The ceremony was also attended by the mayor of Rousse Bojidar Yotov and the project's investors Plamen Bobokov, Chairman of the Managing Board of "Prista Oil" and Marin Zgurev, Executive Director of "Densi Stroy".

His Eminence, Metropolitan Neophyte performed a solemn consecration.

The new complex will be located at the intersection of the boulevards "Lipnik" and "Tsar Osvoboditel".

"Grand Plaza" will include a multifunctional sports facility on 26,000 square meters, shopping mall, five star hotel and office center. The building will have a parking lot with 1000 parking spaces.

The direct investment amount is estimated at EUR 70 million, according to Plamen Bobokov.

The sports facility will require EUR 24 million. The facility will be used for significant international sports and cultural events. Two teams will manage the facility in a partnership with a French and a Romanian company. Meetings to discuss the future international events could be held as early as this year.

The expected completion date for "Grand Plaza" is the end of 2010.

"Grand Plaza" construction works will employ about 400 people. After it's opening, the complex will create 1500 new jobs for Rousse's residents.