Cluj-Napoca City Hall is analyzing the acquisition of the former Continental Hotel, an iconic building located on Napoca Street, using resources from the budget surplus. The announcement was made by Mayor Emil Boc during the debates for the 2026 local budget, emphasizing the municipality’s intention to exercise its right of pre-emption to return the property to public heritage and restore its functionality.
For the year 2026, the local administration has allocated 122 million RON (approximately 23.93 million EUR) in the draft budget for property acquisitions based on Law 422/2001 regarding historical monuments. This budgetary allocation targets buildings considered symbols of the city, with the amount being close to the estimated value of the Continental Hotel. Currently, the property is owned by the company Napocamin, controlled by businessman Ioan Bene, who purchased the property in 2013 for 5 million EUR. The company is in bankruptcy proceedings, but the auctioning of the asset is delayed by the non-completion of the valuation report and the change of the magistrate in the insolvency case.
According to the legislation, the Ministry of Culture, the County Council, and the Cluj-Napoca City Hall have priority in purchasing through the exercise of the right of pre-emption before private investors. The mayor specified that the existence of the budget surplus allows for such strategic interventions, with the auction estimated for this autumn. The Continental Hotel entered an advanced state of degradation starting in 2004, following a previous sale to a company from Alba Iulia that did not carry out the necessary investments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the right of pre-emption?
It is the legal priority granted to public authorities (Ministry of Culture, local councils) to purchase historical monuments before private buyers.
How much has Cluj-Napoca allocated for this acquisition?
The city has allocated 122 million RON (approx. 23.93 million EUR) in the 2026 budget for historical monument acquisitions.
Why is the sale of the Continental Hotel delayed?
The auction is delayed due to the pending completion of a valuation report and administrative changes in the owner’s bankruptcy case.