The adoption of a detailed development plan for downtown Sofia is pending, said last week the chief architect of Sofia Peter Dikov. In his words, a comprehensive plan for this area has not been made in the last 50 years. When approved, it will bring transparency and citizens, businesses and government will be aware of what happens throughout its territory.
The plan does not provide for any new construction in the city centre. The reason is that in practice it has been completely reconstructed. The only option that will be given to those who want to do something in this area will be to reconstruct existing buildings. In some cases additional floors can be built, but only provided that the projects comply with the standards for height and density, as explicitly subject to the restrictions for the protection of cultural heritage.
As for cases where there is interest in reconstruction of housing units, this will be possible, but only when it does not affect the structure of the building.
Only owners of properties on the ground floors and first floors could ask for their units to be transformed into office premises, but in order for that to happen, the procedure will be very complex, said Mr. Dikov.
