A new residential area Cheryomushki will appear in Vitebsk

The regional center is expanding its borders. The project for the detailed plan of the Cheryomushki multi-story residential development area, which recently underwent public discussion, is planned to be implemented by 2025. It provides for a number of socio-cultural facilities, solves the problem of a shortage of parking spaces, and eliminates unsafe approaches to playgrounds... Andrey Makeev, Head of the Architecture and Urban Planning Department of the City Executive Committee and Chief Architect of Vitebsk (pictured), spoke about how the northern capital will be transformed by the appearance of a new residential complex on its map.

— Andrey Alexandrovich, how justified is the practice of citizen participation in discussing the development plan of a particular part of the city?

— Undoubtedly, it is a positive aspect. Architects and designers lift the veil of secrecy, explain how the city will develop further, and try to listen to people. This practice is useful when it comes to the fate of a specific residential area or the placement of one or a complex of buildings. In such cases, remarks can be used to optimize already agreed-upon solutions.

— What are the main architectural concepts of Cheryomushki?

— First, I would like to note that the project was commissioned by DKUP "Vitebsk City Capital Construction Department" and developed by UP "Institute Vitebskgrazhdanproekt". The detailed plan clarifies and specifies the solutions of the general plan for the functional and planning organization of the territory. The part of the projected area currently consists of residential buildings with adjacent plots.

The fundamental idea is to qualitatively change the approaches to designing and constructing a new residential area for the sake of safety, comfort, and construction efficiency. The focus is on the development of housing stock, engineering and social infrastructure, transport arrangements, expansion of parking spaces, safe approaches to playgrounds, as well as elements of pedestrian connections.

— Where will the new microdistrict be located? How large is it in area?

— The planned zone will be located in the eastern part of the regional center, on the route to the city from the Moscow direction. To the west and northwest, the site adjoins the railway. In the southwestern part, there is LLC PO "Energokomplekt" and a gas station. To the north, the territory is adjacent to the industrial and utility district of the city — the "Vitebsk" free economic zone. The area of the new microdistrict is about 65 hectares.

— What will be the housing stock of Cheremushki?

— It is expected that by 2025, it will comprise 3344 apartments. Housing construction within the detailed plan is estimated to be 229.50 thousand square meters of total area. Along Moskovsky Prospekt, as well as in important compositional nodes along Projected Street No. 13, there will be multi-story buildings and public buildings based on individual and reusable designs. Residential areas will be located outside the sanitary protection zones of industrial, production and utility enterprises, and engineering and transport facilities. The architectural appearance of the development will be formed by progressive structural and finishing solutions. In addition, the existing private housing stock — over 100 houses — will be demolished during the construction of the new microdistrict. This is determined by the urban planning project of general planning "General Plan of the city of Vitebsk". The property interests of residents whose houses are subject to demolition will be protected within the framework of current legislation.

— Multi-story buildings are not complete without everyday service zones. How densely will they surround the compositional framework of the residential complex?

— The planning solution provides for the organization of convenient intra-quarter connections with developed adjacent leisure and recreation infrastructure. At the intersections of main transport and pedestrian zones, public facilities will be located, integrated into the first floors of buildings. Along Moskovsky Prospekt, urban complexes of public-residential development of increased height and facilities for cultural and educational, trade and service, sports and recreation, and other purposes will be formed. Here

a school and two kindergartens will be built. The project also includes the construction of a polyclinic, a pharmacy, a library, grocery and non-food stores, catering facilities, and household service enterprises. A youth and entertainment center with a cinema and a dance hall, sports halls with fitness clubs, and a swimming pool will also open their doors. The new microdistrict will also have its own post office, bank, and housing and communal services department.

— Parking lots for cars are an important factor in the system of service and improvement of the territory. What solutions are available in this regard?

— A calculation of the required number of parking spaces for cars was carried out, taking into account the pace of motorization. For this purpose, the level of car ownership by the population is set at 125% of the number of apartments. The created underground and aboveground parking facilities will accommodate over 5,000 cars.

— How convenient will the arterial road network be for the population?

— I believe that it will ensure high-quality transport links between Cheryomushki and the industrial and residential areas of the city, as well as good transport services. The main entrance to the residential area will be provided from Proektiruemaya Street No. 13. A network of cycle paths is also planned both within the microdistrict and along Proektiruemaya Street No. 13 and Moskovsky Prospekt.

— When will the project move into the active phase of implementation?

— Currently, the plan is ready, all calculations regarding the population of this territory have been completed, and engineering networks – gas supply, heating, water supply, and sewerage – have been worked out. As soon as the project receives expert approval, the conceived ideas can be brought to life. In general, during the development, the established urban planning traditions were taken into account, while maintaining the harmony and lightness of the space, because the most important thing for a person is their daily comfort. I am confident that the new microdistrict will enrich the architectural composition of the northern capital.

Olga BULAVKA, photos by the author. "Vitebskiye Vesti".