Cluj-Napoca's RIVUS project to house Romania's largest Carturești bookstore
In the heart of Cluj-Napoca, Romania, a significant urban regeneration project is underway. Known as the RIVUS project, this ambitious initiative is set to revitalize a 14-hectare Carbochim site, transforming it into a cultural, commercial, and social hub along the Someș River.
The RIVUS project, developed by IULIUS and Atterbury Europe, boasts an investment exceeding half a billion euros and is being designed by the internationally renowned Dutch firm UNStudio. With over 400 stores, more than 30 restaurants and coffee shops, a multiplex cinema featuring the latest technology, and a live arts center—a first for Romanian real estate projects—RIVUS promises to become a major destination in the city.
One of the key features that set RIVUS apart is Romania’s largest bookstore, spanning 2,500 sqm over two floors. In partnership with Cărturești, the bookstore will offer a unique edutainment concept, blending cultural, educational, entertainment, and leisure experiences. The lifestyle format will integrate cultural components with spaces for events, art exhibitions, Romanian designer showcases, and more.
In addition to the bookstore, RIVUS will feature extensive green and recreational spaces. A new park of over 5.2 hectares is being created to connect the community with the Someș River for the first time. Japanese rooftop gardens, green facades, and green roofs will also be integrated into the project, repurposing two industrial buildings into cultural venues and coworking spaces, contributing to sustainable urban renewal.
Sustainability and green financing are at the forefront of the RIVUS project. The development recently secured a €400 million syndicated green loan and achieved LEED Platinum certification, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable design and environmentally friendly infrastructure.
Infrastructure improvements, including new pedestrian walkways, bicycle lanes, and thousands of parking spaces, will greatly enhance accessibility and integration with the city. Beyond shopping and entertainment, RIVUS incorporates premium office spaces, specialty retail, cultural venues, and coworking facilities, making it a multifunctional urban destination.
Adrian Păun, Head of Marketing for Cărturești, expressed his excitement about the opportunity to become an anchor brand for the RIVUS project, stating it as an acknowledgement for their work in providing unique experiences for visitors. The bookstore will offer a variety of products, including books in Romanian, Hungarian, and English, stationery, home décor, toys, and gifts.
The RIVUS development is currently in the building permit phase after local council approval of the urban zoning plan in August 2024. With its focus on sustainability, green spaces, and a diverse mix of uses, the RIVUS project exemplifies a modern, forward-thinking approach to urban regeneration. It is set to create a vibrant, connected community space along a significant natural landmark in Cluj-Napoca.
The RIVUS project, with its extensive home-and-garden spaces and large bookstore, offers a unique blend of education-and-self-development opportunities, as the bookstore, in partnership with Cărturești, will offer a variety of products for learning such as books in multiple languages, stationery, and art exhibitions. Additionally, the lifestyle format integrating cultural components will provide opportunities for shopping and leisure experiences, making RIVUS a multifunctional urban hub that caters to various aspects of the community's needs.
