After two years in development, Kontraloop opened to the public on the 28^th of November 2025, introducing a new benchmark for entertainment-led destinations along the Dalmatian Coast.

TGP International was appointed to imagine and shape an innovative leisure venue for Split, creating a concept rooted in great food, games and shared fun, while also supporting the opening phase of operations as the venue welcomed its first wave of guests.

Positioned within the wider City Center one Split complex, the venue delivers an inclusive and timeless social hub for multi-generational guests increasingly seeking interactive and immersive experiences.

Since opening in 2010, City Center one Split (CCoS) has established itself as the leading shopping destination on the Dalmatian Coast, continually evolving alongside the city and its community.

Recognising the growing importance of experience-led retail and the opportunity to offer greater value to guests, CC Real set out to refine CCos’s strategy and strengthen its role as a place not only to shop, but to spend time and connect.

Aiming to transform the mall into a vibrant leisure destination that encourages repeat visits, TGP International was commissioned to design a venue that merges interactive play with high-quality food and drink in a dynamic, clustered dining format.

Occupying a 2,500 sqm space within the existing mall ecosystem, the project needed to integrate naturally into the broader customer journey, encouraging exploration across multiple zones while maintaining a smooth and intuitive experience.

TGP International’s scope covered concept development, interior design, and operational support, guiding the client through development, construction and pre-opening to deliver a cohesive and achievable vision from concept to launch.

Key Audience Considerations

To give the concept the strongest possible chance of connecting with guests, and recognising that many international entertainment brands can struggle to build long-term relevance in new markets, it was essential that Kontraloop felt closely aligned with local audiences. Success depended on understanding everyday attitudes and the moments that inspire loyalty.

Kontraloop was therefore rooted in communal experiences, reflecting the region’s strong coffee culture and social dining habits.

While continuing to serve CCoS’s established cross-generational audience, the concept also needed to resonate strongly with younger visitors, offering new reasons to engage with the mall both now and into the future.

To shape the experience intentionally, a set of core audience groups was identified as a guiding reference point:

• Multi-Gen Explorers – Seeking shared experiences that create memories across generations.
• Joy Seekers – Early adopters drawn to playful, innovative entertainment concepts.
• Social Connectors – Guests motivated by friendly competition and group interaction.
• Eventful Escapists – Visitors driven by celebrations, occasions and moments worth marking.

The Concept

At the heart of Kontraloop sits the idea of reimagining the familiar. Grounded in extensive market research and informed by global trends within competitive socialising and F&B, the concept was designed to feel immediately welcoming.

Familiar activities and comfort-led food offerings lower the barrier to entry for all ages, while contemporary design and layered experiences reframe them as something new. The venue invites guests to engage confidently, whether actively playing or spectating.

Traditional regional references, such as porcelain tiled flooring inspired by Split’s historic paving, amphitheatre-style seating, and the city’s distinctive arches, were reinterpreted as playful design details.

Classic games including bowling, darts, and arcade experiences were selected for their nostalgic appeal, forming key pillars within a broader ecosystem of activities that support different moods.

Spectatorship was intentionally embedded throughout the venue, allowing inclusivity for both active and passive participants and extending dwell time and shared energy across the space.

The multi-activity model also provides diversification and long-term resilience, reducing reliance on single-activity trends while supporting the mall’s ambition to drive sustained footfall.

Meanwhile, flexible configurations and strong dayparting capabilities enable Kontraloop to continuously evolve, transforming its atmosphere from daytime social hub to evening entertainment destination.

Strategic Pillars

The offering was structured around four key pillars:

• Multi-activity entertainment
• Strong F&B identity
• Locality-inspired environment
• Community-first programming

Together, these pillars shaped a destination that is socially driven, encouraging exploration and connection.

Key Values & Drivers

• To create a social experience that welcomes all and fosters connection and belonging
• To feel local and familiar, celebrating home-grown products and classic dishes
• To establish Kontraloop as an entertaining destination with a spirit of friendly competition

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Designing the Space & Key Features

Design quality and user experience were critical in positioning Kontraloop as both a standalone F&B destination and an entertainment venue. Directional exploration was used to encourage discovery, supported by strong visual anchors across multiple zones.

Key features include:

• Quick wall games encouraging spontaneous interaction
• A Hall of Fame, a TV displaying marketing content
• Framed artworks and large-scale murals by local Split artists
• Photobooth for shareable moments
• Flexible DJ and performance spaces
• Clear ‘House Rules’ signage for games and services
• Curated cocktails, local wines, and rakia celebrating regional producers

A cohesive material palette, including porcelain tiles with graphic neon grout, balances durability with bold visual identity.

Interior Design Services for Food Halls and Restaurants

The Main Bar

The main bar and dining area were designed as the venue’s energetic heart, supporting both fast-paced socialising and slower dining moments. A stage area accommodates DJs, musicians, and comedians, while a drop-down screen enables live sports broadcasting.

Ribbon signage also allows playful calls to action, while the shutter-inspired bar gantry references Split’s architectural language and supports flexible dayparting. Bright blue backdrops allow feature elements to stand out, while full-fold curtains enable adaptable bookable zones. Faux leather banquettes, neon seat pads, and graphic poufs add comfort, durability, and colour.

The Darts Lounge

The darts lounge offers a more intimate and cosy environment, defined by herringbone parquet flooring, fluted ceramic bar tiles, and grid timber veneer. Subtle checkerboard references reinforce the theme of play.

The Bowling Area

The bowling zone was designed as a highly interactive environment, suitable for both general use and private hire. Illuminated feature back walls display lane numbering and brand messaging, while projected back wall displays allow for customised content during events. Bespoke art installations contribute to a distinct and memorable identity.

Food & Beverage Direction

Kontraloop’s food offering delivers casual dining of exceptional quality, reimagining familiar classics through high standards of execution and presentation.

The menu features:

• Shareable dishes designed for group dining
• Strong individual offerings
• Prioritisation of home-made elements and high-quality ingredients

A craft-led signature cocktail and drinks menu complements the food, supported by high OS&E standards to ensure consistency across presentation and service. Partnerships with local breweries, chefs, and brands introduce variety and reinforce the venue’s local connection.

F&B packages and promotions further enhance the overall guest experience, supporting group bookings and repeat visits.

Opening, Impact & Results

Following its opening, Kontraloop has received exceptionally strong guest feedback, validating both concept and execution.

Kontraloop adds fresh energy to City Center one Split, deepening its role as a place where people meet, play and spend time together, while encouraging longer visits and broadening appeal across age groups.

By combining great food, immersive play and contemporary design, the venue enhances everyday visits with shared experiences, supporting a lively social scene that feels relevant now and ready to evolve.

CONTRIBUTORs

A special thanks to the project team who helped us work on Kontraloop: Ryan Waddell, Nichola Beskine, Joanna Varettas, Florentina Tsakiri, Vlad Mircea, Maddy McLeary, Kerim Basaran, Ivan Sabol, George Kukanjac, Samantha Toscano.