Through the public call "Support for Innovative Ecosystems of Economic-Business Infrastructure," the project will receive up to €1.3 million in non-repayable EU funds from the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) mechanism. The total project value exceeds €2.2 million.

The EPC Trnovlje – South area is located in the eastern part of the City Municipality of Celje, east of the Hudinja River, and stretches to Gaji Street in the west. To the north, it is bordered by Cesta v Trnovlje, and to the south, it reaches the area of Kotna Street and Kulturniška Street.

The project focuses on the development and expansion of the existing economic-business zone, which covers a total area of 15.6 hectares (ha). Currently, 8.77 ha are developed and occupied by business activities, with 87 companies already operating in the existing EPC.

The eastern part of the zone includes 5.12 ha of undeveloped land, designated for business activities but lacking adequate municipal infrastructure. By equipping these areas with the necessary infrastructure and road connections, new companies will be able to establish operations in the zone.

Additionally, a new road and supporting infrastructure covering 1.14 ha will be built, bringing the total development and expansion area to 6.26 ha.

The investment in the development of EPC Trnovlje – South includes not only the municipal infrastructure setup and the construction of two new connecting roads (180 and 270 meters in length) but also the installation of public lighting, development and upgrading of the water supply and stormwater drainage system, and the construction of pedestrian walkways, among other improvements.

A strong focus is placed on sustainability measures and green infrastructure. The EPC area will feature public transportation access (Celebus), dedicated cycling lanes with a KolesCE bike-sharing station, and charging stations for electric vehicles and e-bikes.

The area will include an eco-island for separate waste collection and a collection center for product reuse. Additionally, a tree-lined avenue and park landscaping are planned. The newly constructed public lighting system will feature hybrid lamps powered by integrated solar panels.

The project also includes the development of a long-term vision for EPC, creation of a dedicated EPC website, support services for EPC operations, …

Eligible costs covered under this project include construction, craft, and installation work, acquisition of undeveloped land, preparation of project and investment documentation, and more.

As per the agreement with the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology, the EPC Trnovlje – South development project must be completed by June 30, 2025.