The newly launched Project St. Sofia development program will establish a multifunctional smart city in the Bulgarian capital, featuring a high-tech central business district, a tourist resort, convention, leisure and shopping centers, as well as residential areas.

One of the main elements in the project is the world-class exhibition and convention center, conveniently located a short distance from a luxury hotel and serviced apartments catering for business travelers' needs.

There is a strong demand for exhibition space in Europe, and the 49 billion euro ($53.5 billion) industry draws 260 million visitors annually, giving Sofia a chance to emerge as a strong exhibition location, with a strong combination of solid infrastructure, an advantageous location and abundant labor.

At 65,000 square meters, the exhibition and convention center will be an enormous column-free space with high ceilings to ensure the utmost flexibility for various formats required for different conferences and shows.

In addition to showcase spaces and exhibition halls, there will be offices, as well as large and small meeting rooms to accommodate various conference sizes and requirements.

The central business district will be a thriving financial area, featuring 24 towers covering 785,000 sq m of space that will feature grade-A office space for rent or sale.

The proximity of the CBD will make it convenient for those who work in the office towers to be near an array of restaurants and entertainment facilities.

Also included in Project St. Sofia is a world-class luxury hotel that will be geared towards both business and leisure travelers. It will house more than 2,000 elegantly furnished rooms and guests will have access to premium services according to their needs.

Not only will the rooms be well appointed, but also the latest touch-screen devices will be used to enable interactive guest experiences, while 24-hour services will be available at the touch of a button.

Culinary experiences will be unforgettable, promised the developers, with a wide variety of restaurants and cafes, while conference rooms and grand ballrooms will be available in the hotel to host different events.

Aside from work-related facilities, there are entertainment options too, including a multipurpose indoor arena, a mega shopping mall, one of the world's largest indoor water parks and a top-end city golf club.

The arena will be comparable in size to three international football pitches. The large venue will be the ideal space to host international sports events from basketball to boxing, top music and art performances from around the world, and touring theater shows. Fans will be able to see their favorite sports stars and celebrities in a stadium that will present memorable performances and events.

For families and young people, Project St. Sofia has an amazing aquatic fun park planned, which upon completion will become the world's largest indoor water park. Covering 52,000 sq m, the enclosed water park has thrilling waterslides and rides for all ages that is safe for everyone to use.

As a landmark in Sofia, the smart city will be a shopper's paradise with its mega shopping mall. It houses well over 250 shop spaces that will feature premium designer brands, both local and international. In addition to shopping, visitors will be able to watch the latest films at a cinema that has the most advanced IMAX entertainment facilities, and play in an indoor game center that includes rides, interactive games and children's playrooms.

After a busy time at the mall, visitors can relax by the lakeside restaurants, and enjoy outdoor activities at the large square.

For some recreational sport, the St. Sofia Golf Club and Spa is the ideal place to tee off. Top Irish golfer Paul McGinley designed the 18-hole course, which is set in a lush scenic area.

Project St. Sofia has a five-to-10-year plan to develop serviced apartments, luxurious villas and different sizes of apartments to cater to the needs of individual travelers and families.

zhuanti@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 05/15/2017 page38)