IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CENTRAL AREA:
LAND IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FOR THE CITY CENTER PRESENTED IN THE YELTSIN CENTER

At the opening of the exhibition, Dasha Paramonova from KB 'Strelka' answered the most frequently asked question: 'Strelka' does not develop projects, it supports local planners, helping them with research and choosing the area for land improvement; but, more importantly, they hold discussions with urban communities. 'For instance, in Yekaterinburg, there has been five meetings, which made it possible to revise the project in accordance with the interested citizens' wishes'.

Representative of the 'OSA' architectural bureau spoke about the way the Iset River waterfront section between Malysheva and Kujbysheva streets is about to change. 'After the reconstruction, it will become safer and more comfortable; the space will be more versatile, with preserving the environment'.

It should be noted that this area has been chosen for the first stage of the reconstruction because it already has a formed basis for land improvement. Safety will be provided by lighting throughout the area, and movement will get more comfortable through providing additional bridges across the river. For instance, a crossing to the botanical garden and a passage under Kujbysheva Street are in the plan. 'New elements will not be disrupting the relief and should naturally supplement the existing ones. Children's playgrounds will appear, as well as special areas for dog walking', the planners pointed out.

Timur Abdullaev, the leader of ARCHINFORM, said that the renovation would start from Malysheva Street. Vehicle traffic will be optimized there: for example, on Bankovskyi Street, a roundabout will be introduced, which will widen the pedestrian zone and make parking more convenient.

According to Timur, Square of 1905 has posed the most heated debate during previous discussions. Some suggested leaving the parking, others voted for a green garden instead of cars. 'As a result, we have found a compromise: the square should remain a multipurpose adaptable space that will always be included into the city's life'.

Space for a parking area will be set aside behind the square, along Volodarskogo and Uritzkogo streets. The plinth behind the Lenin monument resembles an amphitheater and could be made suitable for a separate site for small events.

Among other improvements is the concept of Vajnera Street to become pedestrian: the sidewalk in front of 'Evropa' shopping center is to be widened by seven meters, thus, narrowing the roadway down to two lanes. The Square of Fevralskoy Revolutsii will, probably, feature a public garden, which will include an entertainment area, a children's playground and a lounge zone with hammocks.

The design projects also presuppose a canal for kayaking on the Iset River, a skate park, workout sites and special areas for picnics and barbeques. More space for the citizens to spend their leisure time comfortably and do outside activities.