Transformed overlooked rail junction in Bucharest emerges as capital's bustling commercial center
Basarab Area Transforms into Bucharest's Future-Proof Central Business District
The Basarab area in Bucharest is undergoing a remarkable transformation, emerging as a modern Central Business District (CBD) with a strong focus on sustainability, connectivity, and mixed-use functionality.
Over the past decade, the area has seen significant growth, with cranes becoming a common sight over the Basarab Overpass and new office blocks being built. Since 2018, more than 150,000 sqm of LEED- and BREEAM-rated office space has been delivered, and another 30,000 sqm are under construction, including the highly anticipated ARC building by PPF Real Estate, scheduled for completion in Q3 2026.
The Basarab area benefits from excellent connectivity, with two intersecting metro lines (M1 and M4) at Basarab Station, an overpass enhancing north-south traffic flow, tram lines on dedicated tracks, and a rail halt connecting suburban areas. This integration into Bucharest’s transport network makes the area easily accessible for both residents and commuters.
Developers have also incorporated ground-floor retail, fitness, and medical facilities, reinforcing the area’s 24/7 urban life and community amenities. Residential and retail developments are now common, with new co-living blocks along Splaiul Independenẗei and shopping centers like Carrefour Orhideea and Kaufland within a 5-minute walk.
Looking ahead, Basarab is part of a broader trend in Romania where over €1.5 billion is being invested across the country to expand office and industrial spaces. The growth in Basarab aligns with this national surge, indicating sustained development and its rise as a preferred location for global occupiers in banking, gaming, and other sectors.
In 2025, the Basarab Overpass was completed, and a tram stops at a station suspended 84 meters above the tracks. The ARC project, a ten-story, near-zero-energy office of 30,000 sqm, is under construction and is expected to set a new benchmark for Bucharest's workplaces when completed in late 2026.
If Bucharest’s economy continues to expand and hybrid working remains stable, Basarab is expected to capture the majority of new corporate demand. The area's proximity to Romania’s largest technical university, the Politehnica University of Bucharest, provides a talent pipeline for large companies.
The reports suggest that demand for premium offices in Bucharest is growing faster than supply, and Basarab is the only sub-market with available land for further development. With ongoing and planned projects, such as the ARC, Basarab is positioning itself as a leading business district for years to come in Bucharest.
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