View source for Blokovi

{{Infobox settlement
| name                    = Blokovi
| native_name             = Блокови
| native_name_lang        = sr
|other_name               = Novobeogradski blokovi<br>Новобеоградски блокови
| settlement_type         = [[List of Belgrade neighbourhoods and suburbs|Urban neighbourhood]]
| image_skyline           = NoviBG Jan23 2005.jpg
| image_alt               =
| image_caption           = New Belgrade's Blok 62 at night
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| pushpin_map             = Serbia Belgrade
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| coordinates             = {{coord|44|48|N|20|23|E|region:RS_type:city_source:GNS-enwiki|display=inline, title}}
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| subdivision_type        = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name        = {{flag|Serbia}}
| subdivision_type1       = [[Subdivisions of Serbia|Region]]
| subdivision_name1       = [[Belgrade]]
| subdivision_type2       = [[Subdivisions of Belgrade|Municipality]]
| subdivision_name2       = [[New Belgrade]]
| established_title       =
| established_date        = {{start date and age|1948}}
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| population_as_of        = 2011
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| population_total        = 79,310
| population_density_km2  = auto
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| timezone1               = [[Central European Time|CET]]
| utc_offset1             = +1
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| utc_offset1_DST         = +2
| postal_code_type        = [[Postal codes in Serbia|Postal code]]
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| area_code               = +381(0)11
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'''Blokovi''' ({{lang-sr-Cyrl|Блокови|lit=Blocks}}) or '''Novobeogradski blokovi''' ({{lang-sr-Cyrl|Новобеоградски блокови|lit=New Belgrade Blocks}}) is the semi-formal plural name for a group of [[List of Belgrade neighborhoods|urban neighborhoods]] in [[City of Belgrade|Belgrade]]'s municipality of [[New Belgrade]].
The neighborhood is located in the southeastern urbanized section of the New Belgrade municipality, on the left bank of the [[Sava]] river, across from the islands of [[Ada Međica]] and [[Ada Ciganlija]]. It is bound by the neighborhoods of [[Bežanija]] and [[Bežanijska Kosa]] from the north, Block 58 from the southeast (neighborhood of [[Savski Nasip]]) and the neighborhood of [[Dr Ivan Ribar]] from the west.
When construction of New Belgrade began in 1948, the area designed for the future urban expansion was divided in 72 blocks (with several sub-blocks, like 8-a, 9-a, 9-b, 70-a, etc., and some numbers are missing). Not having any specific name like most other parts of the newly built New Belgrade, over time, this area became colloquially known simply as ''Blokovi'' ('Blocks').
The population of the neighborhood is 79,310, including the neighborhood of Dr Ivan Ribar. But the boundaries of the Blokovi neighborhood are very informal and roughly can be divided into two sections separated by the [[Yuri Gagarin Street, Belgrade|Yuri Gagarin Street]]: the north part or, so-called '''[[#Bežanija Blocks|Bežanijski blokovi]]''' ('Bežanija Blocks') and the south part or '''[[#Sava Blocks|Savski blokovi]]'''<ref name=most>{{cite news | author = Daliborka Mučibabić | title = Savski blokovi protiv izgradnje pešačko-biciklističkog mosta | trans-title = Sava Blocks against the construction of pedestrian-bicycle bridge | newspaper = Politika | page = 16 | language = sr | date = 16 December 2022 | url = https://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/529152/Savski-blokovi-protiv-izgradnje-pesacko-biciklistickog-mosta}}</ref> ('Sava Blocks').
== Sava Blocks ==
=== Characteristics ===
The neighborhood is known for its two rows of over one hundred residential buildings, especially blocks 45 and 70 with original setup of two sets of 21 (totalling 42) identical four and two-story buildings close to the river, with large playgrounds in between, and two sets of over 40 (totalling 80) similar red brick skyscrapers close to the ''Jurija Gagarina street''. The area close to the river is a continuous embankment on the [[Sava]] river, stretching throughout the whole neighborhood, known as the Sava riverbank ({{langx|sr|{{lang|sr-Latn|Savski kej}} / {{lang|sr-Cyrl|Савски кеј}}}}).
The rows of two-story and 4-story buildings in Block 70 and especially Block 45 are also known as ''Naselje Sunca'' ({{lang-sr-Cyrl|Насеље Сунца|lit=Sunny Community}}), because of the peaceful environment ideal for kids and optimism and positive energy that prevailed in 1970s Belgrade. Also, the Block 45 was inhabited by a large number of artists and intellectuals, though the structure of the population has changed a bit since the 1970s.
''Omladinskih brigada street'' divides Block 70-a from Block 70, ''Gandijeva street'' Block 70 from Block 44 and ''[[Jawaharlal Nehru|Nehruova]] street'' Block 44 from Block 45. Through the middle of the whole neighborhood curves the {{convert|4.5|km|abbr=on}} long ''[[Lázaro Cárdenas|Lazaro Kardenas]] [[promenade]]''.<ref>{{cite news | author = Branka Vasiljević | script-title=sr: "Зеленило" ради да град буде лепши | trans-title = "Zelenilo" works to make the city more beautiful | newspaper = Politika | page = 15 | language = sr | date = 22 October 2019}}</ref> At the end of the Gandijeva street, on the Sava riverbank, a monumental [[Bust (sculpture)|bust]] of Indian leader [[Mahatma Gandhi]] (after whom the street was named) was erected in 2007, as a pre-celebration of October 2, Gandhi's birthday ([[Gandhi Jayanti]]) and the [[United Nations|UN]] proclaimed [[International Day of Non-Violence]]<ref>[[Politika]] daily, September 18, 2007, p.23</ref>
The Galovica canal, which flows into the Sava, drains the large area of the east Syrmia and the [[Fruška Gora]] mountain, due to its interconnections with the [[Jarčina]] river-canal system. As streams in the upper watershed flow through the numerous settlements, farms, industrial and artisan complexes and warehouses, wastewater pollutes Galovica. In addition, various smaller drainage canals also pollute the Galovica, which then empties large amounts of untreated sanitary and technological wastewater into the Sava.<ref>{{cite news | author = Branka Vasliljević | title = Sava i Dunav odolevaju zagađenju, rečice i potoci postali kolektori | trans-title = Sava and Danube resist the pollution, streams and brooks turned into collectors | newspaper = Politika | page = 12 | language = sr | date = 23 March 2019 | url = http://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/425700/Sava-i-Dunav-odolevaju-zagadenju-recice-i-potoci-postali-kolektori}}</ref>
A new park, Park Block 70, was opened in 2011 and is one of the youngest parks in Belgrade. It is located in the east-central section of the Block 70, along the [[Lazaro Cardenas]] promenade. It consists of the open green areas, children's playground, fitness equipment in the open, small wooden pavilion and 158 tree seedlings.<ref>{{Citation | author = Branka Vasiljević | title = Prestonički parkovi - mladići od šezdeset leta | newspaper = [[Politika]] | language = sr | date = 23 June 2013| url = http://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/261645/Prestonicki-parkovi-mladici-od-sezdeset-leta}}</ref>
In January 2022, city announced that new buildings will not be built in the remaining non-urbanized areas of blocks 44, 45, 70 and 70-A. They might eventually be turned into the playgrounds, parking lots, sports fields, etc.<ref name=gradnja>{{cite news | author = Daliborka Mučibabić, Dejan Aleksić | script-title=sr: Нема урбанизације у новобеоградским блоковима и изнад Прокопа | trans-title = No urbanization in New Belgrade's blocks and above Prokop | newspaper = Politika | page = 22 | language = sr | date = 15–16 February 2022}}</ref>
==== Block 45 ====
[[File:Blok 45 sedamdesete.jpg|thumb|Aerial view of Block 45, {{circa|1975}}]]
The residential complex of Block 45 was built from 1968 to 1972, when the first tenants moved in.<ref name=blok>{{Citation | author = Ljiljana Joksimović | title = Zaboravljeni i zapušteni Blok 45 | trans-title = Forgotten and neglected Block 45 | newspaper = Politika | page = 25 | language = sr | date = 16 October 2017 }}</ref><ref name=blok1>[https://twitter.com/strani_placenik/status/908123006865731584 Nemanja Rujević - Blok 45]</ref> The block was fully settled in 1973 and 1974.<ref name=blok45>{{cite news | author = Branka Vasiljević | title = Naselje sunca otrgnuto od močvare | trans-title = Sun Settlement wrestled away from swamp | newspaper = Politika | language = sr | date = 3 March 2019 | url = http://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/423990/Naselje-sunca-otrgnuto-od-mocvare}}</ref>
Prior to 1968 the land along the river was a thick forest while the inland was a swamp which was drained and filled with sand. The area was known for its wildlife, especially the [[water bird]]s. The block covers an area of {{convert|62|ha|abbr=on}} and has 45 skyscrapers and 23 4 and 2-storey buildings. Chief architects were Grgur Popović (who designed the skyscrapers), [[Mihailo Čanak]] (8-storey buildings) and Rista Šekerinski (4 and 2-storey buildings).<ref name=blok45/>
The complete urban arrangement of the block continued in the next several years: green areas (trees, lawns), promenades, school, kindergarten, etc.<ref name=blok/> By 1974, the quay along the Sava was finished.<ref name=blok1/> In the westernmost extension of Block 45, where the canal Petrac flows into the Sava, there are two wild beaches on the river bank, "Bombaj" and "Petrac".<ref>{{Citation | author = Daliborka Mučibabić & Nikola Belić | title = Ponos socijalističke gradnje – centar biznisa i trgovine | newspaper = [[Politika]] | pages = 19 | language = sr | date = 11 April 2013}}</ref> Until the Block 71 in the future neighborhood Dr Ivan Ribar was built, Block 45 was the last section of urban Belgrade on this side, after which the Syrmian arable fields began and the [[Jarčina#Jarčina-Galovica|Galovica]] canal was located.<ref name=blok45/>
The neighborhood was colloquially named ''Naselje Sunca'' ('Sun Settlement'). It was described as an "utopian, [[biopolitics|biopolitical]] project, constructed in the sunset of the Yugoslav socialism".<ref name=blok/><ref>{{cite news | author = Srđan Veljović | title = Осамдесете | trans-title = The Eighties | newspaper = Politika-Kulturni dodatak, year LXII, No. 37 | page = 07 | language = sr | date = 22 December 2018}}</ref> An exhibition titled "45 years of Block 45" in the artistic [[Savamala]] neighborhood in March 2019 marked the 45th anniversary of the block.<ref name=blok45/>
=== Economy and transportation ===
The neighborhood is entirely residential, without any industrial facilities. A commercial sector began to develop alongside the ''Jurija Gagarina street'' in the 1990s, and expanded in the 2000s.
[[Image:Osrm.JPG|right|thumb|275px|Blok 38 - around ''Ratko Mitrović'' primary school]]
[[Image:Гандијева улица између Блокова 70 и 44.jpg|right|thumb|275px|[[Mahatma Gandhi|Gandhi]] street between Blok 44 and Blok 70]]
Major commercial or social facilities (almost all of them on the ''Jurija Gagarina street'') comprise:
* Block 70-a: one of the rare privately owned farmers markets in Belgrade, "Mala Sava", founded in 2004;<ref>{{cite news | author = Ana Vuković | title = Ko gazduje beogradskim pijacama? | trans-title = Who operates Belgrade's farmers markets? | newspaper = Politika | language = sr | date = 6 February 2022 | url = https://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/498897/Ko-gazduje-beogradskim-pijacama}}</ref> Delta-auto car dealership, large [[Honda]] car dealership, [[Hellenic Petroleum]] gas station and the Omega-beton gravel selling facility on the Sava bank;
* Block 70: several shopping malls including a Chinese market, [[OMV]] gas station and large postal facilities (including two separate post offices); it also has a primary school "20. oktobar", kindergarten and its own ''local community'' (Serbian: mesna zajednica) of Savski kej.
* Block 44: green market, several shopping malls including one of the first modern super-malls in Belgrade, the ''Piramida'' (Serbian for ''[[pyramid]]'', because of its shape) and a [[McDonald's]] restaurant; it also has two medical clinics.
* Block 45: four shopping malls, including "Enjub"; it also has a primary school ''[[Branko Radičević]]'' (relocated in 1972 from [[Topčidersko Brdo#Characteristics|Topčidersko Brdo]]),<ref>{{cite news | author = Aleksandra Kurteš | title = Škole ‒ svedoci epohe | trans-title = Schools - witnesses of an epoch | newspaper = Politika | page = 15 | language = sr | date = 13 November 2023 | url = https://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/583863/Skole-svedoci-epohe}}</ref> once the biggest elementary school in the Balkans, which had elite quality education - winning many federal level prizes at competitions in subjects such as mathematics, literature etc., kindergarten, nursery, [[FK Sava]]'s [[soccer]] field and its own ''local community'' of Sava.
Chinese Shopping Center in Block 70 was opened in the 1990s as the regular, outdoor shopping center, with clothes shops, goldsmiths, tailors, shoemakers, and coffee shops. First Chinese shops were opened in the late 1990s and soon prevailed. In time, it expanded into the proper shopping mall with two floors, consisting of the old building (with over 360 shops), divided in blocks A and B, and the new, even taller separate building. Block A was badly damaged in the massive fire which broke out on 12 August 2021. Over 100 shops were destroyed, despite some 130 firefighters were employed.<ref>{{cite news | script-title=sr: Уништено више од сто локала | trans-title = Over one hundred shops destroyed | newspaper = Politika | pages = 1 & 14 | language = sr | date = 14 August 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | author = Branka Vasiljević | script-title=sr: Отворени поједини локали, тезге са робом на улици | trans-title = Some shops opened, market stalls with goods on the street | newspaper = Politika | page = 14 | language = sr | date = 24 August 2021}}</ref> In May 2022, construction of the new Chinese shopping center further on the city outskirts, in Block 72, was announced. Shop owners from the old center asked to stay on present location, asking help from the Chinese embassy, stating that the old shopping mall became recognizable brand in the city (as an unambiguous destination for the phrase "let's go to the Chinese").<ref>{{cite news | author = Branka Vasiljević | script-title=sr: Власници локала тражили помоћ од кинеске амбасаде | trans-title = Shop owners asked help from Chinese embassy | newspaper = Politika | page = 15 | language = sr | date = 4 June 2022}}</ref>
Routes of the public transportation lines pass through all of the streets in the neighborhood: bus lines 45, 68, 73, 76, 81, 82, 89, 94, 95 and 610 and [[tram]]way lines 7, 9 and 11.
In March 2020, construction of the first pedestrian-cyclist bridge in Belgrade in 2021 was announced. As the continuation of the Omladinskih Brigada Street in Block 70, it will connect New Belgrade with the island of Ada Ciganlija across the Sava. Public, partially underground garage with 300 parking spots is planned at the end of the street. This is the second part of the project city administration alleged is the result of citizens' online voting (first part is relocation of the [[Old Sava Bridge]] on dry land, in the [[U%C5%A1%C4%87e,_Belgrade#Park_Ušće|Park Ušće]] to become an "attraction"). Reporters and public either distanced from the voting or debunked it as being rigged.<ref>{{cite news | author = Daliborka Mučibabić |script-title=sr: Пешачко-бициклистички мост први у престоници | trans-title = Pedestrian-cyclist bridge, first in the capital  | newspaper = Politika | page = 14 | language = sr | date = 1 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet | author = Dule Astro | user = astrodule | number = 1188190950474108928 | date = 26 October 2019 | language = Serbian | title = Trenutno se dešavaju velike neregularnosti na anketi o sudbini Starog savskog mosta.... | trans-title = Major irregularities are happening at the voting for the future of the Old Sava Bridgge... | link = https://twitter.com/astrodule/status/1188190950474108928}}</ref><ref name=anketa>{{cite news | author = Mladen Savatović | title = Stari savski most – od mosta na Savi do mosta na travi | trans-title = Old Sava Bridge – from bridge on Sava to bridge on grass | publisher = N1 | language = sr | date = 19 December 2019 | url = http://rs.n1info.com/Vesti/a553937/Stari-savski-most-od-mosta-na-Savi-do-mosta-na-travi.html | access-date = 7 January 2023 | archive-date = 21 December 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191221194608/http://rs.n1info.com/Vesti/a553937/Stari-savski-most-od-mosta-na-Savi-do-mosta-na-travi.html | url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | author = Dejan Aleksić | title = Pešačko-biciklistički most za manje automobila na Adi | trans-title = Pedestrian-bicycle bridge for less cars on Ada | newspaper = Politika | page = 15 | language = sr | date = 23 April 2020 | url = http://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/452804/Pesacko-biciklisticki-most-za-manje-automobila-na-Adi}}</ref> City then announced plans for a completely new bridge on the location, instead of relocation of the old one, and in December 2020 announced it will be finished in 2022.<ref>{{cite news | author = Dejan Aleksić | title = "Gazela" prešla pola veka, nove mostove Beograd i dalje čeka | trans-title = "Gazela" crossed half century, Belgrade still awaits new bridges | newspaper = Politika | language = sr | date = 13 December 2020 | url = http://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/468729/Gazela-presla-pola-veka-nove-mostove-Beograd-i-dalje-ceka}}</ref>
Local residents in the Sava Blocks protested, claiming the bridge will disrupt neighborhood's green zones, create even larger traffic jams, and turn Block 70 into the vast parking lot for Ada visitors. The 2020 petition against the bridge was signed by 10,000 residents.<ref name=most/><ref name=sapic/> City said the bridge will be built regardless, but moved the start of the construction for the late 2023 or early 2024. When the plan was opened for public viewing in December 2022, citizens filed 3,500 complaints.<ref>{{cite news | author = Branka Vasiljević | script-title=sr: Градоначелник о буџету за 2023. годину - Бесплатни вртићи и уџбеници за све ђаке од идуће школске године | trans-title = Mayor on the 2023 budget - Free kindergartens and schoolbooks for all pupils from next year | newspaper = Politika | page = 15 | language = sr | date = 20 December 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | author =  | title = Na izgradnju pešačko-biciklističkog mosta 3.500 primedaba Novobeograđana | trans-title = 3,500 complaints by the New Belgraders against the construction of the pedestrian-bicycle bridge | newspaper = Politika | page = 18 | language = sr | date = 23 December 2022 | url = https://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/530032/Na-izgradnju-pesacko-biciklistickog-mosta-3-500-primedaba-Novobeogradana}}</ref> With the announcement of the relocation of the [[Belgrade Zoo]] to Ada Ciganlija, mayor Aleksandar Šapić also announced pushing of this project, stating that by the early 2025 the bridge will be finished.<ref>{{cite news | author = Branka Vasiljević | title = Zoo vrt se seli na Adu Ciganliju | trans-title = Zoo moves to Ada Ciganlija | newspaper = Politika | pages = 01 & 13 | language = sr | date = 4 February 2023 | url = https://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/535991/zoo-vrt-selidba}}</ref> City organized the design competition only in November 2023, giving a deadline of 765 days just for the completion of all permits and paperwork. The bridge should be {{cvt|520|m}} long.<ref>{{cite news | author = Daliborka Mučibabić | title = Most od pola kilometra spojiće Novi Beograd i Adu | trans-title = A half-kilometer bridge will connect New Belgrade and Ada | newspaper = Politika | page = 15 | language = sr | date = 9 November 2023 | url = https://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/583251/Most-od-pola-kilometra-spojice-Novi-Beograd-i-Adu}}</ref>
In December 2021, city announced restoration of the riverine public transportation, which was discontinued decades ago. One of the first two proposed lines should be Block 45-Sports Center Milan Gale Muškatirović, at [[Dorćol]]. In the first, testing phase, it would be shorter, connecting Block 70 and [[Branko's Bridge]].<ref>{{cite news | author = Dejan Aleksić | script-title=sr: У фебруару партнер за речни јавни превоз | trans-title = Partner for the riverine public transportation (will be selected) in February | newspaper = Politika | page = 16 | language = sr | date = 23 December 2021}}</ref> New mayor [[Aleksandar Šapić]], however, stated in July 2022 that the riverine public transportation project will not be pursued further, calling it too expensive and "pointless".<ref>{{cite news | author = Dejan Aleksić | title = Novo novobeogradsko rukovodstvo do 27. jula | trans-title = New Belgrade's new administration (elected) by 27. July | newspaper = Politika | page = 18 | language = sr | date = 22 July 2022 | url = https://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/512674/Novo-novobeogradsko-rukovodstvo-do-27-jula}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | author = Beta | title = Šapić: Vesić đacima podelio tablete i posle nemamo para za neke stvari | trans-title = Šapić: Vesić gave away tablets to pupils, so now we have no money for other things | work = N1 | language = sr | date = 21 July 2022 | url = https://rs.n1info.com/vesti/sapic-vesic-djacima-podelio-tablete-i-posle-nemamo-para-za-neke-stvari/}}</ref>
==== Nightlife ====
The neighborhood is known for numerous ''splavovi'' (singular ''splav''), barges adapted into cafés, clubs and restaurants along the Sava Quay. By 2019, there was basically no free space along the Sava bank as it was completely occupied by the barges that are the hubs of [[Nightlife in Belgrade|Belgrade's nightlife]]. The first was "Savski Galeb". Opened in 1987, it occupied an adapted old freight barge. The "Pingvin" was opened in 1988, but soon changed to "Estrada" which sparked the boost of similar facilities. The first purpose-built barge-discothèque, it was a blueprint for all the future venues of this type all over the city. It was the first barge with a DJ and with a separated dance floor and booths for sitting. It was well visited since the opening, but the clientele changed in time. Originally, it was made from the "roamers" from all over the city, but with the general criminalization of the society, it became the gathering point for the members of the criminal clans from Zemun and New Belgrade. Next to "Estrada", a much larger "Triton" was opened. One of the most popular barges at the time, it originally functioned as a "disco on the water". "Triton" was a location of numerous criminal shootouts.<ref>{{cite news | author = Bane Gajić | title = Kako su splavovi postali važan deo Beograda | trans-title = How splavovi became important part of Belgrade | newspaper = Vice | language = sr | date = 21 December 2018 | url = https://www.vice.com/rs/article/d3by9m/kako-su-splavovi-postali-vazan-deo-beograda}}</ref> None of these venues exist today.
==== Proposed projects ====
'''Aqua Park'''
Aqua park Belgrade, announced as the second [[water park]] in Serbia after the one in the town of [[Jagodina]], was an ultimately failed project in Block 44. Construction began in August 2005 and it was supposed to be open on 25 May 2006, but as of August 2006 only 75% of the preparatory works had been completed and the works stopped. Investors claimed it would be open for the 2007 season and it would feature the longest "family waterslide" ({{convert|117|m}}) and [[lazy river]] ({{convert|405|m}}) in Europe so as the largest indoor pool in Europe with an area of {{convert|1.600|m2}}, and children's complex (Kids City). Also, in phase two, the surrounding area of {{convert|2|ha}} was to be arranged with covered pools, [[bowling alley]]s, [[ice rink]] and other sport facilities. In total, 11 pools, 21 water slide (including the {{convert|20|m}} tall kamikaze water slide, also the tallest in Europe), and {{convert|6,500|m2}} of water area was planned in the complex of {{convert|7|ha}}. One of the leading investors in the project, basketball player [[Žarko Paspalj]], announced that the opening had been postponed for 2008. The construction resumed in January 2008 and the new opening date was set for late May 2008.<ref>[[Politika]] daily, 25 January 2008</ref><ref name=nova>{{cite news | author = Goran Petrić | title = Napušteni akva park već godinama ruži savsku obalu Beograda | trans-title = Abandoned aqua park is uglifying Belgrade's Sava bank for years | publisher = Nova.rs | language = sr | date = 2 June 2021 | url = https://nova.rs/videodana/napusteni-akva-park-vec-godinama-ruzi-savsku-obalu-beograda/}}</ref>
The investors changed, almost a dozen of them by 2007, but the construction site never looked like anything more than a dug meadow. Despite quite strong public campaign for several years how Belgrade will get aqua park, which was supposed to be an investment of  €15 million, “due to the financial problems”, the project was scrapped in 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.politika.rs/scc/clanak/249619/Istraga-krade-hektara-stopirana-pre-pet-godina|author=D.Vukosavljević|title= Istraga kra]e hektara stopirana pre pet godina|date=21 February 2013| publisher= [[Politika]]|language=sr}}</ref> After 2010 city tried to reacquire the parcel but failed, officially due to the "complicated procedure".<ref name=nova/> In 2014 plans were made to build a residential block on the location, but the idea was abandoned. In June 2019 city reaffirmed it will repossess the lot as the leaseholder failed to build aqua park, but that the purpose of the lot won't be changed and that aqua park will be built in the future.<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.blic.rs/biznis/vesti/vesic-ima-zainteresovanih-za-gradnju-akva-parka-kod-bloka-45/2pe269g | author = Tanjug | title = Vesić: Ima zainteresovanih za gradnju akva parka kod Bloka 45 | trans-title = Vesić: there are interested parties into the construction of aqua park in Block 45 | date = 23 June 2019 | work  = [[Blic]] | language = sr}}</ref> By the summer of 2021, the abandoned structures and pools were described as an ugliness which resemble the set of a horror movie.<ref name=nova/> In February 2022 city announced that the complex will be turned into the "state level water sports center".<ref name=gradnja/>
'''Gondola lift'''
In 1922 company "Čavlina and Sladoljev" from Zagreb drafted the project of connecting two banks of the Sava river by the [[Aerial lift|cable car]]. In 1928, building company "Šumadija" again proposed the construction of the cable car, which they called "air tram" but this project was planned to connect [[Zemun]] to [[Kalemegdan]] on [[Belgrade Fortress]], via [[Great War Island]]. The interval of the cabins was set at 2 minutes and the entire route was supposed to last 5 minutes. The project never realized. Engineer and CEO of the Yugoslav institute for urbanism and dwelling "Juginus", Mirko Radovanac, revived the idea in the 1990s. After conducting extensive surveys (traffic analysis, interviews with the commuters, climatic, geological, urban and other researches), "Juginus" presented the project in 1993. They proposed that the terminuses should be at the Sports Center [[Košutnjak]] and Block 44. Stops in between would include the major public transportation roundabout in [[Banovo Brdo]], [[Makiš]] and [[Ada Ciganlija]], five in total. They called it the "ideal route". The plan also included construction of commercial areas around the terminuses, which would cover {{convert|2,000|m2|abbr=on}} and help with the profitability of the project. Apart from being ecological and an attraction, it was estimated that it would shorten the trip for 45 minutes.<ref name=spalovic>{{Citation | author = Dejan Spalović | title = San o žičari od Bloka 44 do Košutnjaka | newspaper = Politika | language = sr | date = 27 August 2012}}</ref>
City government included the project into the city's GUP, which envisioned the construction in phases, the first being a {{convert|1,000|m|abbr=on}} long section Block 44-Ada Ciganlija. It would lay on 8 steel pillars, {{convert|35|m|abbr=on}} above the ground and the trip would last for 3 minutes. The cabins were projected to receive not just the commuters, but also the bicycles, skateboards, sledges and skis, as the cableway was planned to work year-round. The complete facility would have of 27 pillars, it would be {{convert|5|km|abbr=on}} long which would be travelled in 15 minutes by 2,000 commuters per hour.<ref name=spalovic/> Despite the project has been publicly revived by the [[Mayor of Belgrade|mayors]] [[Dragan Đilas]] (2008–2013) and [[Siniša Mali]] (2013-2018), as of 2021 the project still didn't start. The project was then included in the Belgrade's General Regulatory Plan in December 2021, composed of two phases: New Belgrade-Ada Ciganlija-Makiš, and Makiš-Banovo Brdo-Košutnjak.<ref>{{cite news | author = eKapija | title = Gradiće se gondola od Novog Beograda do Košutnjaka | trans-title = Gondola lift from New Belgrade to Košutnjak will be built | publisher = eKapija | language = sr | date = 19 December 2021 | url = https://www.ekapija.com/news/3520196/gradice-se-gondola-od-novog-beograda-do-kosutnjaka-u-planu-i-novi}}</ref> After announcing relocation of the [[Belgrade Zoo]] to Ada Ciganlija in February 2023, mayor [[Aleksandar Šapić]] announced that the gondola lift project is on,<ref>{{cite news | author = Branka Vasiljević | title = Zoo vrt se seli na Adu Ciganliju | trans-title = Zoo moves to Ada Ciganlija | newspaper = Politika | pages = 01 & 13 | language = sr | date = 4 February 2023 | url = https://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/535991/zoo-vrt-selidba}}</ref> and that already existing, but publicly unknown city project from 2009 will be reactivated.<ref name=sapic>{{cite news | author = Dejan Aleksić | script-title=sr: Усвојен план о метроу, раскинут уговор са "Кенткартом" | trans-title = Metro plan adopted, contract with "Kentkart: dissolved | newspaper = Politika | page = 17 | language = sr | date = 22 February 2023}}</ref>
== Bežanija Blocks ==
[[File:Novi beograd mz.png|right|thumb|250px|Map of Local communities in New Belgrade]]
=== Characteristics ===
[[File:Bežanijski Blokovi crop.jpg|right|thumb|500px|Bežanijski blokovi]]
'''Bežanijski blokovi''' ({{lang-sr-Cyrl|Бежанијски блокови|lit=Bežanija Blocks}}) are built on the southernmost uninhabited area of the former Bežanija village, thus the name. However, it is completely urbanized and even though different architecturally from the southern section, it also features a series of residential skyscrapers in two parallel rows, stretching through the blocks 61, 62, 63 and the western section of 64. There are over 50 skyscrapers altogether (22 parallel ones with several additional in between).
Bežanijski blokovi are also known as "Oficirski blokovi" ({{lang-sr-Cyrl|Официрски блокови|lit=Officers' Blocks}}), since a large portion of the apartments in the buildings were owned by the old Yugoslav army, which housed its personnel there. Consequently, a large portion of the inhabitants of the Bežanijski blokovi are the families of the retired army officers who bought out their apartments from the Army.
Southern border marks the ''Jurija Gagarina street'' while the northern, separating it from [[Bežanija]] is the ''[[Vojvodina|Vojvođanska]] street''. In between, the ''Dušana Vukasovića street'' divides Blocks 61 and 62, the ''Nehruova street'' Blocks 62 and 63 and the ''Gandijeva street'' divides Blocks 63 and 64.
"Park of the Republic of Argentina" is located in Block 62. It has a proper rectangular shape and is bounded by the streets of ''Dušana Vukasovića'' on the west, ''Japanska'' on the north and ''Evropska'' on the south. It was called "Park Block 62" until 15 June 2017 when it was officially renamed to Park of Argentina.<ref name="Politika">{{Citation | author = Dejan Aleksić | title = Važne odluke u senci sukoba i čarki | newspaper = [[Politika]] | pages = 14 | language = sr | date = 15 June 2017 | url = http://www.politika.co.rs/sr/clanak/383007/Vazne-odluke-u-senci-sukoba-i-carki }}</ref> It was named in honor of the park in the Belgrade street in the capital of Argentina, [[Buenos Aires]],<ref>{{Citation | author = Branka Vasiljević | title = Park Argentine u Bloku 62 | newspaper = [[Politika]] | pages = 16 | language = sr | date = 21 June 2017 }}</ref> ''Plazoleta Andrés Chazarreta''. The park, formed in 2009, was renovated in October 2017 when it was announced that Buenos Aires will get a park named after Republic of Serbia.<ref>{{Citation | author = Branka Vasiljević | title = Park "Argentina" u Novom Beogradu | trans-title = Park "Argentina" in New Belgrade | newspaper = Politika | language = sr | date = 27 October 2017 }}</ref> ''Plaza Republica de Serbia'' was ceremonially open in Buenos Aires on 23 November 2017, and it contains a mural with painted motifs from Belgrade and Serbia.<ref>{{Citation | author = Branka Vasiljević | title = Trg Republika Srbija u Buenos Ajresu | trans-title = Republic of Serbia Square in Buenos Aires | newspaper = Politika | page = 16 | language = sr | date = 24 November 2017 }}</ref>
At the roundabout on the corner of Vojvođanska, Surčinska, Vinogradska and Dr Ivana Ribara streets, an obelisk was erected in 2012 to celebrate the 500 years of the first mention of Bežanija. It is {{cvt|500|cm}} tall, one centimeter for each year.<ref name="Politika"/> Construction of the {{cvt|7.9|km}} long, New Belgrade's direct connection to the [[Obrenovac-Surčin Bridge (A2 motorway)|Obrenovac-Surčin Bridge]] and [[A2 motorway (Serbia)|Miloš the Great Motorway]] began on 31 March 2021, starting from the roundabout. Originally planned to be finished in September 2022, the road was opened on 1 April 2023.<ref>{{cite news | author = Dejan Aleksić | script-title=sr: Нови Београд–Сурчин од вечерас у саобраћају | trans-title = New Belgrade-Surčin opens for traffic tonight | newspaper = Politika | page = 13 | language = sr | date = 1 April 2023}}</ref>
In August 2023 demolition of the Ekstra Mall in the eastern section of the Block 64 was announced. Instead of the ground-floor mall, six buildings with 7 and 8 floors will be built.<ref>{{cite news | author = Daliborka Mučibabić | title = Stanovi na mestu tržnog centra | trans-title = Apartments instead of the mall | newspaper = Politika | page = 14 | language = sr | date = 5 September 2023 | url = https://www.politika.rs/scc/clanak/569830/Stanovi-ruse-trzni-centar}}</ref>
=== Economy and transportation ===
{{PanoViewer|Bežanijski soliteri (360° view).jpg|Panoramic view}}
Despite being constructed as a continuation of the highly industrialized central section of New Belgrade from the east (heavy industry like ''IMT'', ''Minel'', ''FOB-FOM'', etc.), the neighborhood is entirely residential with commercial facilities developing only recently. Major commercial and social facilities include:
* Block 61: a kindergarten, a gas station ''Sunce'' (Serbian for ''sun'') and a local community of Bežanijski blokovi
* Block 62: an ice skating rink with a gym and a primary school of ''[[Užička Republika]]'', IDEA [[superstore]], Technomarket consumer electronics store, Univerexport [[superstore]] and [[DM drogerie]]
* Block 63: Maxi [[superstore]], gas station "Lav Petrol", tennis court, a primary school ''[[Jovan Sterija Popović]]'', [[Orion Telekom]] headquarters
* Block 64: ImmoOutlet trade center, a primary school and a ''local community'' both under the name of ''Mladost'' (Serbian for ''youth'')
In April 2018, Indian tractors factory [[Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited|TAFE]] purchased the bankrupt [[Industry of Machinery and Tractors|IMT tractors factory]]. IMT owns the vast industrial complex in the Block 64, but the TAFE didn't obtain the ownership on this land. The area, which covers {{convert|46|ha|abbr=on}}, will be transformed into the commercial-residential complex.<ref>{{ cite news | author = Aleksandar Mikavica | title = TAFE traži kooperante za IMT | trans-title = TAFE searches for the cooperators for IMT | newspaper = Politika | page = 11 | language = sr | date = 14 April 2018 | url = http://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/401903/TAFE-trazi-kooperante-za-IMT }}</ref> In October 2019, city announced that the complex, with the surrounding area (total of {{convert|72.7|ha|abbr=on}}), is planned for the residential-commercial neighborhood with buildings up to 12 floors and the possibility of settling 18,000 new residents.<ref>{{cite news | script-title=sr: На месту ИМТ-а стамбено-пословни комплекс | trans-title = Residential-commercial complex on the location of IMT | newspaper = Politika | page = 16 | language = sr | date = 22 October 2019}}</ref> The problem makes the land directly occupied by the former factory as the soil is contaminated after the decades long engine and tractors production.<ref>{{cite news | author = Daliborka Mučibabić | script-title=sr: На месту ИМТ-а, ФОМ-а и "Минела" - Милион стамбено-пословних квадрата у Новом Београду | trans-title = On the location of IMT, FOM and Minel - One million residential-commercial square meters in New Belgrade | newspaper = Politika | page = 14 | language = sr | date = 23 October 2019}}</ref> Though the project was later reduced to {{convert|47.8|ha|abbr=on}} and planned population of 15,000, it gained notoriety as one of the worst examples of "investors' urbanism", since there is not one park, cultural building or green area in the project.<ref>{{cite news | author = Daliborka Mučibabić | script-title=sr: Облакодер од 80 метара преко пута "Ју бизнис центра" | trans-title = 80 meters tall skyscraper across "Yu Business Center" | newspaper = Politika | page = 13 | language = sr | date = 29 January 2022}}</ref>
In addition to other bus lines, additional lines passing through or around the neighborhood are 89, 94, 95 (right through the middle), 45, 71, 72, 82, 601, 602 and 610.
== Population ==
Population of the local communities within the neighborhood was 89,561 by the census of 2002, out of which 44,505 in Bežanija and 45,056 in Sava section.<ref>{{cite book|title=Popis stanovništva po mesnim zajednicama, Saopštenje 40/2002, page 4|date=26 July 2002|publisher=Zavod za informatiku i statistiku grada Beograda}}</ref> Due to the major changes in the boundaries of the local communities in parts of New Belgrade, at the census of 2011, combined population was 79,310 (Bežanija 39,418, Sava 39,892).<ref>{{cite book|title=Stanovništvo po opštinama i mesnim zajednicama, Popis 2011|date=23 April 2015|publisher=Grad Beograd – Sektor statistike (xls file)}}</ref>
== Neighbourhood culture and public image ==
{{Unreferenced section|date=October 2017}}Blokovi inhabitants represent a cross-section of the Serbian population. Because most people in Blokovi received their apartments through government-funded social programs, the population is very socio-economically mixed: it is not uncommon to have a bus driver living next door to a neurosurgeon in the same apartment block.
The blocks near the Sava river, especially the four and two-story buildings, were inhabited by a large number of artists and intellectuals in the 1970s.
The neighbourhood is ideal for young children, with many playgrounds and a popular boardwalk built along Sava's left bank. It is also considered as a healthy and a quiet place to live in as it has a lot of green areas, sports terrains and also a bicycle trail alongside the river.
On the other hand, the officer blocks, and their grayness and drabness have earned Blokovi the reputation of some sort of urban ghetto during the 90s. This image was perpetuated by recent Serbian movies such as ''[[The Wounds (film)|Rane]]'', ''[[Absolute 100|Apsolutnih sto]]'', ''Jedan na jedan'', ''Sutra ujutro'', and ''[[Seven and a Half (2006 film)|Sedam i po]]''.
However, recently{{When|date=October 2017}} the erection of [[Delta City]] [[shopping mall]], plans for Aquapark and Tennis courts near Block 45 have doubled the value of real estate in this area, at the time when New Belgrade with numerous development plans becomes one of the more desirable parts of the city.
The well-known Yugoslav rock band [[Riblja Čorba]] has made a song with the title ''Neću da živim u Bloku 65'' (''"I don't want to live in Block 65"''), which can be found on the CD ''Buvlja pijaca'' released in 1982.
Also, a grunge band from Belgrade's Block 19a, named {{ill|Euforia (band){{!}}Euforia|sr|Euforia (muzička grupa)}}, has a song called ''Blokovi''.
== Streets ==
* [[Yuri Gagarin Street, Belgrade|Yuri Gagarin Street]]
== References ==
{{reflist|30em}}
== Sources ==
* ''Beograd - plan grada''; M@gic M@p, 2006; {{ISBN|86-83501-53-1}}
==External links==
* [http://blokovi.com Blokovi.com]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20130422085332/http://www.blok72.com/ Blok72.com]
{{Neighbourhoods of Novi Beograd}}
[[Category:Neighborhoods of Belgrade]]
[[Category:New Belgrade]]