A major urban development project in Belgrade, Serbia, is set to exceed a total value of more than €12 billion (£10 billion), marking a significant investment in the city’s future. The Belgrade Waterfront project, which began in 2015, aims to transform the industrial areas along the River Sava into a vibrant urban space, enhancing the capital’s skyline and economic potential.

The project covers approximately 2.8 miles and includes a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. Currently, the site boasts 14 completed buildings, housing around 10,000 apartments, and features the striking Kula Beograd tower, standing at 168 meters tall. This skyscraper comprises 42 floors and is home to a luxury St. Regis Hotel alongside premium branded apartments.

Expansion Plans for Economic Growth

In January 2024, Eagle Hills, the UAE-based real estate investment firm leading the development, announced plans for an expansion, intending to construct an “outstanding landmark” within the existing mixed-use environment. The firm emphasized that the success of the Belgrade Waterfront has fostered significant economic growth, paving the way for its continued development.

In a statement, Eagle Hills remarked, “The remarkable experience in Serbia, where the Belgrade Waterfront showcased outstanding economic growth, has paved the way for the expansion of this landmark development.” The project is designed not only to enhance urban living but also to deliver tangible economic impacts and support local communities.

The Belgrade Waterfront has already significantly influenced the city’s economy, contributing to one of the highest GDP growth rates in Europe over the past decade. The development has created thousands of job opportunities, both during construction and in ongoing operations, while also boosting tourism and improving infrastructure.

Ownership and Future Prospects

Eagle Hills currently holds a 67% stake in the Belgrade Waterfront, with the Serbian government retaining a 33% share. This partnership highlights a collaborative approach to urban regeneration, aiming to position Belgrade as a leading destination in the region.

As the project progresses, it is expected to reinforce Belgrade’s status as a significant urban center, blending cutting-edge innovation with sustainable development practices. The ongoing investments in the city’s infrastructure and amenities will likely continue to attract both local and international interest, shaping the future of Serbia’s capital.

Belgrade, with its rich history signified by landmarks such as the Beogradska Tvrđava fortress, is on the verge of a transformative era. The Belgrade Waterfront project not only represents a physical change to the cityscape but also signals a new chapter in economic vitality and urban living for its residents.

Manchester United will kick off their pre-season tour with a friendly match against West Ham United on July 29, 2023. This encounter marks United’s first friendly in the United States as they gear up for the upcoming Premier League season. Under the guidance of manager Ruben Amorim, the team has been diligently preparing for the new campaign after traveling across the Atlantic for their tour.

The match is scheduled to take place at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, which is also the home ground for the NFL teams, the New York Jets and the New York Giants. Recently, this stadium hosted the FIFA Club World Cup final featuring Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain. This game will provide United with the opportunity to showcase their new summer signings, including Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, to their American fans.

United’s pre-season tour does not end with West Ham; they will also face Bournemouth and Everton in the coming days, further enhancing their preparation for competitive matches.

Fans wishing to watch the clash can tune in via MUTV. The match is set to begin at 12:00 AM BST on July 30, 2023, which translates to 7:00 PM local time on July 29 in New Jersey. For viewers in the UK, live coverage will commence at 7:00 PM BST and will be available on Sky channel 418 and Virgin Media channel 526.

Those with a subscription to MUTV can also live stream the match from New Jersey. The live stream can be accessed through the MUTV mobile app and the MUTV section on Manchester United’s official website.

The Manchester Evening News is committed to providing comprehensive coverage of Manchester United. Fans can stay updated with the latest news and analysis by joining the newspaper’s free WhatsApp group or subscribing to their newsletter service. Additionally, the Manchester is Red podcast, featuring expert analysis and discussions, is available on popular platforms such as Spotify and Apple Podcasts, as well as on YouTube.

As Manchester United embarks on this pre-season journey, the anticipation builds for a thrilling match against West Ham, setting the stage for an exciting new season ahead.

A family in Chipping Sodbury, South Gloucestershire, was forced to evacuate their home after a car crashed into the building on the afternoon of July 4, 2023. Freda Amang, 32, her husband Enock Aidoo, also 32, and their three children narrowly escaped serious injury when the unexpected incident occurred in their typically quiet residential area.

Freda was at home with her youngest daughter, just 19 months old, when she heard a loud noise that abruptly shattered their usual peaceful day. “I was sleeping and then heard a very loud bang on the house,” she recounted. “I opened the curtains to see what was going on. That was when I saw that the car had crashed into the building.”

The couple, who have rented their home since November 2022, had never experienced any issues in the neighborhood. The family had settled comfortably into their home at the end of a quiet road, which Freda described as a “lovely, peaceful and small area.” The crash, however, changed everything.

Freda recalled the chaotic moments following the impact. Overcome with shock, she struggled to react as neighbors rushed to assist her. “I couldn’t think and was in such a bad shock, so the people outside were shouting to me, ‘get down, get down’.” With her daughter in her arms, she managed to make her way outside, where she sat on the pavement, still reeling from the event.

Emergency services quickly arrived at the scene, declaring the house unsafe due to significant damage. The impact destroyed much of the living room, including essential furniture like the sofa, dining table, and desk. Freda noted, “The house is in a very bad state and it’s very dangerous to go in there.” Concerns have arisen regarding potential structural damage to the upper levels of the home as well.

The family was evacuated, packing only essential items as they left behind the majority of their belongings. They spent three nights in temporary accommodation before moving to a hotel for an additional two nights. The local council then provided them with a two-bedroom flat located approximately half an hour from Chipping Sodbury, while they search for a more permanent residence.

“It’s going to take a while to fix our home after the incident, but we want to go back to Chipping Sodbury,” Freda expressed. Unfortunately, the change in location has forced her to reduce her work hours significantly. “I can only do one day, and public transport takes too long,” she explained, highlighting the strain this situation has placed on the family.

The emotional toll of the incident has been profound. Freda described how her children have struggled to cope, missing school for weeks as they navigate the aftermath. “I’ve been traumatised and my kids have been as well,” she stated. “Life hasn’t been the same; it’s really changed a lot.”

Adding to her distress, Freda is concerned about the family’s pet fish, left behind in the house. With the electricity turned off, she fears for their survival. The disruption of daily routines has taken a significant psychological toll, leaving her with anxiety and sleepless nights. “Anytime I sleep, the little noise I hear brings back memories of that day,” she said.

In a show of community support, a friend of the family has initiated a fundraising campaign to assist them during this challenging time. As they face an uncertain future, the Aidoo family is left to cope with the lasting impact of the crash and the search for a new place to call home.

A dramatic incident unfolded in Derbent, Russia, when a heroic bystander intervened to save a man who had collapsed onto train tracks, narrowly avoiding disaster. The incident, captured on video, shows the unidentified individual sprinting onto the tracks just seconds before a passenger train approached at high speed.

As the train’s lights illuminated the scene, the man, believed to be Russian, stumbled towards the tracks. Witnesses reported that he appeared disoriented before losing his balance and falling headfirst onto the line. This alarming moment happened during a sweltering day, with temperatures reaching approximately 30°C.

With the train barreling down the tracks, the bystander made a split-second decision to run onto the tracks. He managed to grab hold of the collapsed man, pulling him to safety just as the train rushed past. The video shows the two individuals narrowly escaping a potentially fatal situation, with the lifesaver maintaining a firm grip on the man, who appeared unconscious.

Authorities have launched a search for the brave rescuer. According to the Komsomolskaya Pravda newspaper, a public appeal has been made to identify the hero, with hopes of honoring him for his quick actions.

Similar Incidents Highlight Risks on Train Tracks

This recent event echoes previous occurrences where individuals have risked their lives to save others on railway tracks. In another incident last year, a commuter was filmed leaping onto the tracks to rescue a toddler who had fallen just 22 seconds before a train arrived. This dramatic rescue highlighted the dangers that can arise in these high-pressure situations.

In a related incident, former reality TV star Mikey Hughes survived a similar ordeal at Hyndland station in Glasgow in 2024. After falling onto the tracks, he was saved by nearby strangers who acted swiftly. Hughes later expressed his gratitude, stating he felt “lucky to be alive” after sustaining only minor injuries.

These accounts serve as a reminder of the critical importance of vigilance around active train tracks and the courage some individuals display in life-threatening situations. As the search for the Derbent hero continues, the community reflects on the bravery exhibited by those who risk their own safety for the lives of others.