From October 1 to 3, Riga will host an international seminar bringing together more than 40 urban planners and architects from different European countries to develop development proposals for the Riga Historic Centre (RHC), with a particular focus on the Riga Central Market and its adjacent territories.
The seminar for urban planners from municipalities in the Baltic Sea region is held annually and this year Riga has been chosen as the venue to receive proposals from foreign urban planners for the development of the RHC and its protection zone as part of the development of the spatial plan for this territory.
The main theme of the seminar is “New Breath of Historic Places – Market Development in Riga Historic Centre”. The experts will develop ideas and proposals on how to promote the synergy of the Riga Central Market area with the development of the surrounding territories, making it a modern, active and lively urban place and promoting its connection with the Old Town, Central Railway Station, Lastādija neighbourhood and the Daugava Embankment. Participants will be invited to give their views on the potential of the Meat Pavilion and its possible future use, taking into account the surrounding public outdoor space. The solutions developed will be used in the development planning of the RHC and other municipal projects.
The seminar will start with an introduction to the values, development priorities and current projects of the RHC, the new spatial plan for the RHC and its conservation area, and UNESCO heritage in the city. Presentations will be made by experts from the Riga Local Government and LLC (SIA) “Rīgas nami”, including Riga City Architect Pēteris Ratas, expert on UNESCO World Heritage Management Planning of the Riga Historic Centre Aigars Kušķis and LLC (SIA) “Rīgas nami” representative Dita Vīndedze.
Riga City Architect Pēteris Ratas explains: “The Central Market, together with the future new station building and the proximity to the Old Town, is a unique opportunity for the development of the city and deserves a positive transformation. This is a very strategic location next to a busy transport hub, at the city's busiest junction, but it is unforgivably neglected. That's why we need to think about a positive transformation of the area, an achievable vision for the future of the place that will revitalise business, attract investment and create a more attractive living environment for us all.”
“At a time when the Riga Central Market development concept is being implemented, the experience and ideas of international urban planners can make a valuable contribution to this process. As the manager of the Central Market, it is strategically important for us, “Rīgas nami”, to preserve the historical identity and cultural and historical value of the market, while giving it a new lease of life and adapting it to modern city life. The proposals made during the seminar will allow it to be even more closely integrated into the urban environment, so that by the time of the centenary in 2030, the market will become an even more important and attractive destination for both Riga residents and visitors,” says Ojārs Valkers, Chairman of the Board of LLC (SIA) “Rīgas nami”.
Special guest Rudolf Zunke, UNESCO expert for the City of Vienna, will share Vienna's experience in preserving and managing cultural heritage, revealing both success stories and challenges. Kārlis Lakševics, a social anthropologist from the University of Latvia, will offer his perspective on changes in market culture, visitor habits, users of the territory, and the future functions of the market.
The seminar will also include a site visit of the Central Market and the adjacent area, so that participants can understand the specifics of the environment and the challenges to be addressed. At the end of the seminar, on October 3, the proposals will be presented to the experts of Riga City Council.
More than 40 municipal urban planners and architects from Austria, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Estonia, Finland, Poland, Ukraine and Latvia will participate in the seminar organised by Riga.
The seminar is organised by the Union of the Baltic Cities, Planning Cities Commission in cooperation with the Riga City Development Department and LLC (SIA) “Rīgas nami”.
Media representatives interested in participating in any part of the seminar are invited to contact the Riga City Council Communications Office. The seminar will be held in English.
Further information: Tatjana Smirnova, Project Coordinator of the External Communication Division of the Communication Department of the Riga City Council, e-mail: tsmirnova11@riga.lv