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Former Split Shopping Center Transforms into Thriving Business Hub

Free News Reader  ·  September 9, 2026

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Former Split Shopping Center Transforms into Thriving Business Hub

  • The "Dalma" building in Split, once a prominent shopping center with approximately one hundred stores, has successfully transitioned into a bustling business center.
  • This transformation reflects a broader trend in Croatia, where older retail spaces are being repurposed to meet new economic demands, similar to the renovation of Centar Kaptol in Zagreb which began in early 2018.

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The “Dalma” building in Split, a city with a rich history dating back to Roman times, has undergone a significant metamorphosis from a traditional shopping mall to a dynamic business center. Once home to around a hundred retail establishments, the building now primarily houses a variety of offices, including law firms, real estate agencies, driving schools, and psychological and psychiatric practices. This shift indicates a strategic adaptation to changing market needs, moving away from a saturated retail landscape.

While large, modern shopping centers like Mall of Split continue to thrive in the region, offering a wide array of international and local brands, dining, and entertainment options, older retail spaces are finding new life through repurposing. The conversion of the “Dalma” building mirrors a trend seen elsewhere in Croatia, such as the Centar Kaptol in Zagreb, which began its transformation from a shopping mall into a modern shopping hub in early 2018. This adaptation highlights a responsiveness to urban development and economic evolution in Croatian cities. The repurposing of such buildings provides new opportunities for businesses and services, contributing to the local economy in a different capacity than their original retail intent.