Today, May 7, the winners of the architectural competition for the new passenger and ro-ro cargo terminal Riga Ropax Terminal were awarded. The world-renowned London-based architecture firm Zaha Hadid Architects won first place. The next step in the development of the terminal project will be the development of the construction project. If the project progresses successfully, Riga Ropax Terminal will open its doors to passengers in 2028.
According to the local plan of the southern part of Eksportosta approved by the Riga City Council, anyone interested and qualified could participate in the architectural competition. 10 tender applications were received. Berenblum Busch Architects from the USA took third place, R-Konsult from Estonia took second place, and Zaha Hadid Architects took first place. A total prize fund of 35,000 euros was divided among the three award-winning projects. The jury consisted of Riga City Council, Riga Freeport Authority, National Cultural Heritage Authority, Pētersala-Andrejsala Neighborhood Association, Bouygues Bâtiment International, as well as representatives of the Latvian Architects Union and Riga Ropax Terminal.
Riga Ropax Terminal project manager Jūlija Bērziņa: "We are pleased with the results of the Riga Ropax Terminal architectural competition, not only for the high-quality offer of Zaha Hadid Architects, but also for the great interest in this competition in general. Almost 60 architectural offices applied for the tender documentation, and 10 of them submitted applications. The work on the tender has been completed, but the most responsible work is now just beginning - through the cooperation of Riga Ropax Terminal, the Free Port of Riga, Riga City Council, the Ministry of Transport and the responsible institutions, to create such a mobility solution for the capital that would bring convenience and real value, attract investors, develop Riga and Latvian economy. Work is currently being continued to implement the next phase of the project's development as soon as possible - designing so that sea travelers, residents of Riga and guests of the city have a modern passenger terminal. Active work is also going on in creating and strengthening cooperation with passenger ship lines. In the future, the new terminal will definitely add to the panorama of Riga's coast and become Riga's business card for sea travelers."
Gianluca Racana, director of Zaha Hadid Architects: "Combining design innovations with the highest standards of user experience and sustainable solutions, Riga Ropax Terminal will be an architectural example that will serve as a path to Riga's future, while respecting the city's rich history as a port city. using on-site concrete structures as well as local materials from recycled and renewable sources, the new terminal will be a benchmark in eco-friendly architecture incorporating advanced design solutions to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. With significantly improved waterfront access and extensive new public spaces, the project will ensure these areas become a popular destination."
"A new, modern passenger terminal is an opportunity for Riga to restore regular ferry traffic in the port of Riga, as well as to increase the number of cruise ships and tourism passengers, giving additional long-term revenues to the national economy of the capital and the country. We are satisfied with the high-quality architectural offers for the visual and technical framework of the project, which is a good application for the further implementation of the Riga Ropax Terminal project, and, it must be said, it has already managed to create a wider positive resonance and international partners' interest in the passenger terminal project", emphasizes Ansis Zeltiņš, Freeport of Riga manager, noting that the Riga Freeport Authority is ready to start work on the first stage of the project under its responsibility already this year within the framework of cooperation with Riga Ropax Terminal - for reconstruction of the historical ED dam and dredging of the water area in order to improve the safety and navigation of ships' approach to Eksportost.
Riga Vice Mayor Edvards Ratnieks: "Tourists and the development of the tourism industry are important for Riga. One of the effective ways to achieve this is a cruise arrival of ships in our port. Therefore, we hope that with the development of the new passenger terminal, Riga will not only get a modern terminal and service, but also become a home port for cruise ships. This will promote the city's popularity on the international tourism map, as well as create new economic opportunities and jobs for local residents."
Riga Ropax Terminal architectural competition offers will be available for viewing in person until May 12 at the 4th floor of the Riga Technical University Institute of Architecture and Design, Ķīpsalas Street 6, on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The developers of the Riga Ropax Terminal project are actively working on both investment and project cooperation attracting partners and promoting the project at the global level. In 2020, the Port of Riga Authority and the developer of Riga Ropax Terminal signed an agreement to strengthen cooperation. memorandum, as part of which cooperation is planned for the submission of joint European co-financed project applications - three joint applications have been submitted so far. Riga Ropax Terminal annually participates in the largest exhibition of cruise industry professionals Seatrade Cruise Global Miami. The project implementers also participated in the 2023 Seatrade exhibition in Hamburg and the international real estate and investment forum MIPIM in Cannes.
Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) has redefined 21st century architecture with its projects that have captivated the whole world. By creating buildings that are uniquely tailored to the needs of the communities and neighborhoods they serve, ZHA has received the highest honors from professional and academic institutions around the world. ZHA was founded by Zaha Hadid in 1979, and its projects embody decades of research to become more spatially resourceful, structurally efficient, technologically advanced and environmentally friendly. Combining innovative design solutions with environmentally friendly ones materials and sustainable construction practices, ZHA architecture meets the wishes of each future generation.
