Plovdiv construction dispute intensifies over Maritsa River green zone

A dispute is intensifying in Plovdiv over construction projects near the Maritsa River. The owner of the plot at 146A Maritsa Blvd, A i N Investment Ltd, has stated they intend to proceed with their construction project unless the property is purchased by the Plovdiv Municipality or by citizens who wish to preserve the area as green space. Manager Atanas Darakchiev noted that the company has already paid advances to subcontractors and pre-paid for 60–70% of construction materials.

The investors declined to attend a recent tripartite meeting between the municipality and local residents, claiming the format would not be constructive and citing the physical obstruction of machinery by protesters. They maintain the project is legal and are appealing against notices of violations.

Simultaneously, a petition is gaining national attention, calling for the establishment of a 50-meter green zone along the entire Maritsa River corridor within the city. Initiated by Iva Dimitrova following protests at the Maritsa Gardens residential complex, the movement seeks a comprehensive general concept for the riverbank to ensure public access to parks, sports facilities, and biodiversity protection, rather than allowing individual plots to be developed independently.