Vilnius transformations in one portal: from industrial areas to city gates

Vilnius is one of Europe’s fastest-changing capitals. Dynamic change means ever more sustainable mobility, more open, green and vibrant public spaces. When change follows change, it can be difficult to keep up with all the capital’s news. From now on, Vilnius City Municipality, together with Vilniaus Plan, will present the most up-to-date information about the changes taking place or planned in different parts of the city on a new page https://transformacijos.vilnius.lt/ The new portal allows everyone interested in the development of Vilnius to see the districts undergoing transformation, their vision and the municipality’s ongoing or planned projects. Easily accessible information about the changes planned in the districts is likely to help some residents when choosing a home or planning their business development. “The transformation of the districts of Vilnius that are far away from the city centre creates a fundamental sense of change in the city. From the city gate – Stoties – to the former industrial districts – Vilkpėdė or Verkiai – a breath of fresh air touches the whole of Vilnius. The well-known Šnipiškės district is no exception, as it is being transformed into a more and more convenient central part of the city,” says Laura Kairienė, advisor to the city’s Chief Architect. More and more Vilnius residents are discovering the fast-growing and developing Šnipiškės district. The district, which preserves the city’s distinct characters, attracts both metropolitan lovers and Vilniusers who cherish wooden architecture. Over the last 6 years, Šnipiškės has not only seen the development of a business centre, but also the cleaning of historic streets and the creation of recreational public spaces. Other districts are also starting to feel the transformation. Vilkpėdė, just 5 km from Vilnius Old Town, has the potential to change its urban, spatial, social and economic structure through the gradual conversion of its displaced industry. The immediate changes in public infrastructure will start in the northern part of Vilkpėdė, at the Tūkstantmečio Street roundabout. The biggest catalyst will be the reconstruction of the Elektrinė Bridge, which will allow the restoration of a pedestrian and cycle link between Lazdynai and Vilkpėdė (further to Naujamiestys or Old Town). The plan is to create links and attractions along this bridge, which has never been opened to the public in the decades since it was built. Another area on the path of transformation, right next to the Old Town, is the Stoties district. The transformation of Vilnius Railway Station and the surrounding area is about opening up a long closed and even repulsive area of Vilnius to all sections of society. In the vision of Vilnius City Municipality, the area encompassing Stoties Square, Sodų, Pelesa and other streets is a modern multifunctional mobility, business and leisure centre with green spaces. The Vilnius Territorial Transformation page also includes other areas on the path of change, such as the approaches to the National Stadium and the North Town. The vision for each area is unique, taking into account the current situation and aiming to maximise the potential of the district. The Transformation page presents the vision for the development of the areas and the specific projects of Vilnius City Municipality that are planned to be implemented.