The aim of the project “Revitalization of the degraded territory between Maskavas, Krasta and Turgeņeva streets” was to turn the street block into a publicly accessible, cultural and educational quarter, of interest to both locals and tourists. The territory is attractive for both locals and tourists as the warehouse block is located in the historical centre, which is included on the Unesco World Cultural Heritage list.
Progressively arranged recreation place
Now Riga has a new and progressively arranged recreation place at the very shoreline, providing many opportunities. Within the framework of the project, the entire block of buildings and the Daugava embankment were revitalised and the underground pedestrian tunnel reconstructed, through which one can go from city centre to the riverside promenade and take advantage of the beautiful views of the city seem from scenic river banks. The area is now characterized by cobbled passages, benches, flower pots, trees, playgrounds, a skate park, a place for performances and events, a wide promenade near the Daugava, viewing areas and a quayside – all instead of the desolation that was.
During the project
During the project, three buildings and 43 used garages were demolished, 6.5 kilometres of power cables and more than a kilometre of water piping were replaced, 94 lampposts and 75 benches were installed and a children’s playground was built.
A 1.3 km long bikeway and a square on the Daugava embankment, including a special support structure for a Christmas tree, were created.
An area of around 30,000 square metres was paved; car and bicycle parking lots were established and a completely new lighting system as well as underground waste containers, equipped with above-ground chutes for waste disposal, was installed.
The works had to be carried out in a very intense zone that is also very important for urban life – Krasta Street – and due to the heavy planning and organization, it was possible to carry out the project with minimum inconvenience to city residents.