How was the idea for the largest mixed use project in Sofia - UPTOWN SQUARE born?
The idea for UPTOWN SQUARE was ripe even before the purchase of the plot. The location has a huge potential, the most suitable to create a project that we dreamed of for years - different not only in scale, but also in concept and in step with the latest global trends in residential construction.
The rapid changes in our lives in recent years have created an era of new habits that are also changing the face of major cities around the world. Environmental sustainability is becoming a major factor in every aspect of our businesses and lives, and the "15-minute city" concept is the trend that is turning megacities into healthier, more sustainable and more socially just places for the community to live. Pedestrian access to everything we need in our daily lives - schools, kindergartens, shops, places for sport, recreation and entertainment, parks, services and hospitals - provides solutions to the problems of smog, air pollution from daily vehicle traffic, and congested public transport.
We are therefore convinced that the future lies in mixed-use projects that help urban revitalisation by developing infrastructure in different areas of the city. The open complex brings together a mix of different people, activities and companies in one place and creates a vibrant urban environment. These positive changes impact on the whole local community on the one hand, but on the other hand are in line with the sustainable urban development changes that the Green Deal imposes on business and society.
For example, according to research by the TomTom Traffic Index, more and more Britons are avoiding congested traffic by choosing to live in one of England's 5,201 mixed-use developments. In megacities, the norm is to move quickly, frequently and efficiently, as globalised and high-tech countries become a playground in general.
According to the same study, the average Philadelphian spends about 90 hours a year in traffic jams and travels 10 kilometres in 20 minutes and 50 seconds. The 15-minute city model allows you to live, play, shop and eat without having to use your car, and even without leaving your apartment building. That extra time can be put to good use, with your loved ones, family, hobbies and interests.That's why we've designed a complex that encourages people to get out and about, to get to know each other, and thanks to the open communal areas, that will be easier than ever. In a bustling city like Sofia we don't have time to connect with others, but living in an open complex gives a lot of opportunities in that regard.
As a result of all our travels and research, and drawing on global best practice, we have designed UPTOWN SQUARE, inspired by the atmosphere of Hyde Park and Central Park in New York, by Maguliebone Square and the Principal Tower in London, and designed to become the new city of the city.
Tell us more about what makes UPTOWN SQUARE a lifestyle project and how is it different from other residential projects in Sofia?
UPTOWN SQUARE is one of the largest residential projects not only in Sofia but also in Bulgaria. It is a mixed use residential complex consisting of 6 buildings with 438 apartments, three underground levels with parking spaces and 5000 sqm of retail space. Between the buildings in the complex is an elegant plaza, accessible to all, which combines areas for recreation, entertainment, dining and shopping - everything needed for modern urban living. The project offers two, three and four bedroom apartments as well as penthouses with spectacular views on the top floors.
At UPTOWN SQUARE, we have combined global expertise with local best practices. That is why it is a joint project of Atelier Serafimov Architects, one of the most prestigious architectural studios in Bulgaria, and E8 Architecture, one of the leading architectural studios in London, known for its functional and modern style and winner of awards for innovation and design.
The residential development has been designed to the new energy efficiency regulations. The buildings' innovative elemental façade is all glass and aluminium, with clean lines that give a sense of elegance and luxury. The heating and cooling of the dwellings are solved in the most optimal, ecological and energy-efficient way - with individual heat pumps and underfloor heating.
The advantages that elevate UPTOWN SQUARE to another level are the excellent location, the iconic architecture and the innovative open concept.
In addition to the close proximity to the subway, mall, park, hospital and quick access to the city center, UPTOWN SQUARE borders the main bike path of Sofia, which connects the city with the South Park, Hunting Park, Vitosha and gives full freedom of movement.
BLD will retain the retail space and make decisions on the right tenant mix to ensure the presence of appropriate brands for the level of the project.
In addition to restaurants, shops, bars, and services, the plaza will offer recreational and leisure areas for people who live and work in the neighborhood.
Residents of UPTOWN SQUARE will have shared entertainment spaces in the buildings - a cinema room, a party area. There will also be a self-service car wash in the underground car park, and for wine collectors we have provided a cellar with the ability to maintain a special temperature.
The way we present the project to the market is also different. Virtual tours are now available on the new BLD website and provide a detailed presentation of the project. This is an innovative approach that is not known in Bulgaria. In the 360-degree model of Uptown Square, our clients have access to each apartment, see spatial furnishing options as well as the actual views from each terrace.
UPTOWN SQUARE is without a doubt our company's boldest endeavor. After 16 residential projects in Sofia, designed according to the potential of the neighborhoods and customer demand, with this new project BLD is responding to the latest global trends in residential construction and changing the face of Sofia, creating the new attraction of the city center.