Prima Grad: Iconic Split Department Store Faces Demolition for Hostel Conversion

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Prima Grad: Iconic Split Department Store Faces Demolition for Hostel Conversion

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Split’s Prima Grad, a beloved department store that opened more than half a century ago on Trg Gaje Bulata in the heart of the city, is at the center of a heated controversy over plans to demolish parts of it for a modern hostel.

The building, initially launched as “Prima” around the time Split gained its airport in the mid-20th century, evolved into “Prima Grad” as shopping habits shifted toward larger retail hubs. It distinguished itself from similar outlets like those of Jadranteksil, Dalmin, Koteks, and Jugoplastika, cementing its status as the go-to robna kuća—a multi-story shopping house—in Dalmatia’s largest city.

Now, an investor is pushing forward with construction of a hostel inside the structure, sparking backlash from current shop owners who fear losing their livelihoods and the site’s historic character. Tenants express dissatisfaction, arguing the changes threaten the vibrant commercial ecosystem that has sustained the location for decades.

The investor counters firmly, stating all necessary permits are in place and that city conservators have given their approval, ensuring compliance with heritage preservation rules. This endorsement from conservation authorities is pivotal, as Split’s old town core, a UNESCO World Heritage site nearby, imposes strict guidelines on alterations to mid-20th-century architecture.

The debate highlights tensions between modernization and preservation in growing tourist hubs like Split, where demand for accommodations surges annually—visitor numbers topped 3.5 million in 2023. Shop owners worry about economic fallout, while supporters see the hostel as revitalizing a potentially declining retail space amid e-commerce shifts. No construction timeline has been finalized, but the project underscores Split’s balancing act between its retail past and hospitality-driven future.

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