The Velje Brdo project will become a landmark of Podgorica and is being developed at full pace despite all political, media and NGO obstacles, said Slaven Radunović, Minister of Spatial Planning, Urbanism and State Property. He emphasized that the project timeline depends on demand.
Radunović stated that the Spatial Plan of Montenegro, recently approved by the government and soon to be submitted to Parliament, serves as the foundation for new urban planning documents, including the Podgorica Urban Plan (PUP), which will enable the start of Velje Brdo’s development.
He dismissed opposition claims that Velje Brdo is a fictional or purely electoral project, stressing that the government firmly supports it to provide citizens with affordable housing opportunities. The minister highlighted ongoing pressures from media and political opposition on those promoting the project but expressed confidence that many people will line up to buy apartments.
Radunović clarified that the plan is to develop a settlement designed for around 42,000 residents over time, with proper urban planning to avoid chaotic construction seen in the past, such as building between existing structures or damaging green areas. The pace of construction will depend entirely on market demand.
Currently, about 10,000 people have expressed interest in the apartments, though not all may be genuinely committed. Others have been discouraged by negative media coverage but will still have the opportunity to apply.
The first phase of construction, roughly the size of two existing city blocks, is already underway. A call for design proposals for a boulevard has been issued, and as soon as conditions allow, construction machinery will start work on Velje Brdo with necessary infrastructure connections.
