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Urban transportation with electric buses, public parking, the restoration of former industrial areas to serve the community, and investments in recreational spaces are some of the main pillars of the "Urban Renaissance 2.0" program, introduced by the government.
The Minister of Local Government, Ervin Demo, stated that the program will be based on 11 strategic objectives aimed at urban development, improving infrastructure and strengthening the local economy.
One of the main elements of the project is the construction of public parking lots in 12 municipalities in the country, with a total area of 160 thousand square meters and the potential for around 15 thousand parking spaces.
"Improving functions and access in urban areas. We are focusing on building parking lots to create sustainable access, 160 thousand square meters of surface in 12 municipalities, have the potential for 15 thousand parking spaces. We are focused on municipalities that have not only a strong urban intensity, but also a significant tourist flow," Demo continued.
The program will also focus on urban public transport, where the government aims to pilot electric buses in several municipalities during the last months of this year.
"We are considering the municipalities that will be models for this initiative. Transportation will be based on electric buses, the first municipality to be piloted will be within the last 3 months of this year. The government will help municipalities overcome the first barrier, in terms of investment to create the capacities to offer this service at the appropriate standards," Demo continued.
Another priority of "Urban Renaissance 2.0" is the regeneration of former factories and abandoned industrial spaces, which will be transformed into sports facilities, recreational areas, and centers to support startups.
"The third objective is the regeneration of former industrial spaces into assets for the community, these are former factories that have been privatized or partially privatized, or are state-owned. They are potentials that must be returned to the community. The focus will be on primary services that help the community, with sports facilities or recreational areas, while also looking closely at the local development of the economy, focusing on new start-ups that can use these assets," the minister said.
The program also includes investments in public infrastructure and the pre-university system, as well as support for innovation and local economic development.
"Increasing the standard of public infrastructure by harmonizing local architecture with what cities offer and creating new development potential for certain areas. We focus on public facilities related to the pre-university system. Working with local and foreign architects who will assist municipalities with projects that bring added value. Encouraging innovation, to give young people the opportunity to get involved in local economic development. It is necessary to create a dynamic map regarding start-ups," said Demo.
Within the framework of the program, the government also aims to strengthen local identity and promote cultural heritage through the construction of local museums.
"There are 11 strategic objectives that will be included in this new program, starting with strengthening local identity that will focus on building local museums, taking into account the development of tourism, but also to strengthen local identity," Demo emphasized.
The "Urban Renaissance 2.0" program also foresees the creation of 140 new recreational spaces, better waste management according to EU standards, and the development of the "Smart City" concept in Albanian cities.
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