The construction boom in Tirana is expected to pick up momentum in the coming period, despite signs of slowing demand and many real estate experts saying the market is reaching saturation.
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Recently, the National Territorial Council (KKT) approved the issuance of permits for several high-rise projects, while a new form of partnership between the government and private sector is expected to allow the latter to develop large projects on public land.
There are at least eight development projects planned, including towers up to 65 stories high and another 100-story project recently presented but not yet approved.
Among the KKT permits, the most significant is on the New Boulevard, which includes the "Mount Tirana" project—currently the tallest with 58 stories.
Specifically, the KKT has granted a Development Permit for the building: “Residential, Service, and Hotel Building with 4, 5, 23, 24, 57, 58, and 65 floors above ground and 6 underground floors,” located on the New Boulevard, Tirana Municipality, developed by the company “Klar” sh.p.k. This is currently the tallest tower to receive a development permit.
The KKT list also includes projects on “Dritan Hoxha” street with 35 stories and on “Teodor Keko” street with 50 stories above ground. It seems that these towers are now expanding beyond the inner ring, reaching even the more peripheral areas of the capital.
Another project envisions a 27-story multi-functional residential complex in the Kashar area.
A construction permit has also been issued for the "Top Seven Tower," a complex development for new residential and service spaces with 33 and 35 floors above ground and 4 underground floors, located on “Dritan Hoxha” street, Tirana Municipality, developed by the company “Top Seven Construction” sh.p.k.
Another project includes the building: “Residential, hotel complex with services of 1, 25, 39, 50 floors above ground and 3 underground parking levels, on “Teodor Keko” street, Tirana Municipality,” developed by the companies “Xh & M” sh.p.k, “Alfazed” sh.p.k, and “Smart Construction Invest” sh.p.k.
Another permit for high-rise projects involves the building: “Multi-functional, residential, and service complex with 2, 3, 4, 8, 10, and 27 floors above ground,” located in Kashar, Tirana Municipality, developed by the company “Tirana West Center” sh.p.k.
Recently, a project by architect Alejandro Aravena and his studio Elemental Studio was approved after a competition. It involves a building with a height of 300 meters or 100 stories, and if built, it will become the tallest in Tirana. The tower will be located next to "Mount Tirana," which is already under construction. Following the project's approval, this tower is expected to receive a development permit.
In addition to projects being built on private land, the government also plans to offer several properties it owns for development. In June, the National Territorial Planning Agency opened a tender titled "Energizing Cities: Innovative Development of Public Property." This procedure aims to attract project ideas that develop public property in cooperation with the private sector, with the institutions ultimately receiving office space as a benefit.
The new projects will be developed on the land of some state buildings. They will include towers from 35 to 41 stories, accommodating 22 state institutions and creating banking areas, commercial spaces, and office spaces for rent.
New development projects are also expected to start in Tirana, particularly in the Komuna e Parisit area, near “Zhan D’Ark” Boulevard, near “Harry Fultz” school, and the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture.
Some of the institutions or properties to be developed are in highly coveted areas of the capital. According to the document, one of the properties to be developed is that of the Directorate of Government Services with a plot of 9,400 m² near the Komuna e Parisit intersection. The second property is near Zhan D’Ark Boulevard, where the Local Office of Pre-University Education is located. The design calls for a multi-functional development with 35-41 stories, a building footprint of 1,200-1,500 m², and a total construction area of 48,000-52,500 m².
Another project involves the Property Institutions Cluster (ASHK – the Property of the State Cadastre Agency, near “Harry T. Fultz” School). The proposed site for the State Cadastre Cluster is located in the Zogu i Zi area (near “Harry T. Fultz” school) on a secondary road connecting to Asim Vokshi Street.
Another project is the Multi-functional Development Zone. The proposed development site is along “Muhamet Gjollesha” street, part of Tirana’s Second Ring, covering an area of 3,000 m². It involves the design of the facade and volume of a multi-functional development with 25-40 stories, a building footprint of 800-1,200 m², and a total construction area of 30,000-40,000 m².