Riga Port City is ready for a new phase of development, the unified concept of the development project envisages several possible development scenarios, making the area one of the most modern, functional and versatile parts of Riga city centre on the bank of the Daugava River. In the near future, the area will become a convenient and practical place for living, education, business, hospitality, recreation and other needs. Riga Port City is becoming a neighbourhood that combines different types of functions, but is united by high quality public open space with direct access to the waterfronts of the Daugava, Andrejosta and Eksporta Bay. One of the key objectives of this project is to increase the high quality housing and business stock in Riga, which will attract more and more people to the city centre.
Riga Port City respects the industrial and historical heritage of the port, railways and other industries in the area and plans to preserve and modernise it, creating a modern environment where people will choose to live, work, relax and return. This development scenario has served as the basis for a masterplan created by world-class architects.
Riga Port City - a unique example of waterfront development with industrial and historical heritage
An international team of architects led by the Swiss architectural firm Hosoya Schaefer Architects, 1:1 landskab environmental architects, Gehl Architects from Copenhagen, and Eter Architects from Riga have concluded work on the Riga Port City masterplan. The development plan offers concrete scenarios for revitalising this area of Riga's city centre, using its industrial heritage in a new way, with new functions, and offering it to residents and visitors - for work, leisure and living.
The first works have already started - the design of Phase 1 of the road and public infrastructure network is underway, and the first individual projects are being prepared for implementation - the relocation and integration of a high-voltage substation at Eksporta Street and the construction of a complex of more than 300 rental apartments at Eksporta Street. The detailed design of the area has been agreed with the municipality, the master plan has been finalised and the area is ready for the next stages of development today!
Riga Port City roles in the city
Riga Port City will complement Riga city centre with infrastructure suitable for working and living, while creating an open, publicly accessible part of the city for the public and visitors. The development plan identifies a mixed-use Riga City Centre neighbourhood that will encourage people to return to live in the city centre, with modern apartments, offices, educational institutions, cultural centres and recreational facilities all in one place, and with a unique waterfront feel.
The developers of the project see it as one of their tasks to provide a solution and support to the City of Riga that will allow to increase the population in the city centre, addressing this problem that is so pressing for Riga. According to the developers, it is important to have a comfortable and quality living space within walking distance from the workplace, especially in the city centre, so Riga Port City addresses a number of constraints and challenges currently experienced by those living in the city centre. Significant measures are planned to reduce air and noise pollution, reduce the flow of goods and transit vehicles, and reduce congestion in this part of the city - with a strong focus on greening and a balanced infrastructure.
The development plan also includes additions to Riga's streets and public transport infrastructure - the road to Eksportosta Gate will be closed, leaving this road for traffic to the new passenger port. A construction project for the intersection of Pētersala and Eksporta Street is currently under construction, with an extension of Pētersala Street in Andrejsala up to the old grain elevator. While preserving the industrial heritage and at the same time creating as small an ecological footprint as possible, the plan is to convert this historic building into a hotel, while retaining elements of the building's exterior design.
This year, the construction of Phase 1 of the utilities and street infrastructure has started. This will be followed by the construction of an apartment complex on the edge of the Petersalas Street extension. Building permits for both projects have already been received. Construction of the four-apartment complex is planned to start in 2024. Energy efficiency is one of the priorities of this project, combining 320 apartments for both rent and purchase and offering a smart and modern layout overlooking the Daugava River. The project also includes underground parking. The future vision also includes electric car charging stations.
