As part of the preparations for the Mediterranean Games “Prishtina 2030,” the phase of developing major infrastructure projects has begun. Among these, particular focus will be on the Student Center, which will be transformed into the main accommodation hub for thousands of athletes from different Mediterranean countries.

In an interview with KosovaPress, the head of the Sports Agency at the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport (MKRS), Fidan Shatri, provided details about the capacities, investments, timelines, and legacy that will remain for sports and students after 2030. Shatri emphasized that the Student Center has been selected as the main site to host the athletes participating in the Mediterranean Games.

“Specifically, the Student Center will be the meeting place for many athletes from all over the Mediterranean, who will be accommodated there for the Prishtina 2030 Mediterranean Games… I hope it will be sufficient, as a full renovation of all Student Center facilities will be carried out, along with the construction of new buildings to increase space for hosting athletes for the Prishtina 2030 Mediterranean Games,” Shatri said.

According to Shatri, the Student Center currently has around 3,300 accommodation spots, but capacity will be significantly expanded for the 2030 Games. Extensive renovations and new constructions will increase the number of beds to over 4,500.

“A detailed renovation of all Student Center facilities will be carried out, and at the same time, new buildings will be constructed to expand accommodation space for athletes staying at the Student Center. Currently, we have around 3,300 spots, and this will increase to over 4,500 spots for all athletes. New buildings will be added that can later serve other sports events. They will meet the highest European standards and may even be available for other international events after 2030,” Shatri explained.

Shatri further clarified that the total project cost is approximately 70 million euros, covering the renovation of the Student Center, the “1 Tetori” Hall, and the Student Cafeteria.

“Based on planning, the financial cost will be around 70 million euros, which will be invested in the Student Center, the '1 Tetori' Hall, and the Student Cafeteria. This investment will be made by the Government of Kosovo, through the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport, and the Ministry of Education, in agreement with the French Development Agency loan… Two new buildings will be constructed for hosting and accommodating students, which will also be used for other international activities. The space will increase, as proper space for accommodating athletes is required, which as I mentioned will be around 4,500 beds for the athletes,” he continued.

A key part of the project involves modernizing the Student Cafeteria, which will be reconfigured to handle the large influx of athletes during the Games. Additionally, the “1 Tetori” Hall will be fully renovated with modern equipment.

“The Student Cafeteria will be reconfigured, and its capacity will be increased to serve meals to athletes attending the Prishtina 2030 Mediterranean Games… The ‘1 Tetori’ Hall will be completely renovated with the latest modern equipment for use by the athletes. Another innovation in these investments is the semi-Olympic swimming pool, which will meet the highest standards and, beyond the Mediterranean Games, will serve as a legacy for students and other citizens, managed by the Student Center,” Shatri emphasized.

According to Shatri, construction work is scheduled to start in the first half of 2027 and is expected to be completed in the second half of 2029.

KosovaPress