Polotsk has begun implementing the Concept for the Development of Infrastructure in Historical Districts

April 25, Minsk /BELTA/. The implementation of the Concept for the development of infrastructure in the historical districts of Polotsk has already begun. This was announced today during an online conference on the BELTA website by the Chairman of the Polotsk City Executive Committee, Alexander Poznyak. According to him, negotiations have been held and an agreement has been reached with investors on the construction of certain facilities in the area of the Spaso-Yefrosinievsky Monastery. Work has begun on clearing the bed of the Polota River. "The Concept for the development of infrastructure in the historical districts of Polotsk, based on established traditions and in accordance with their functional historical purpose, envisages the development of three main areas of tourism: the Spaso-Yefrosinievsky Monastery with its adjacent territory – for pilgrimage tourism; the park of culture and recreation on the left bank of the Western Dvina River – for entertainment tourism; the Upper Castle district and the St. Sophia Cathedral – for historical tourism," said Alexander Poznyak. In particular, in the area of the Spaso-Yefrosinievsky Monastery, it is planned to equip the vacant territories adjacent to the monastery with tourist infrastructure facilities. On an area of 30.2 hectares, it is planned to construct and reconstruct a hotel complex, shopping arcades with souvenirs, craft workshops, a trade and exhibition complex, a spiritual and educational center, and a tourist agency. The St. Sophia Cathedral is located on the territory of the Upper Castle. In fact, it is the archaeological, administrative, spiritual, and secular center of the city with a total area of about 9 hectares. The ensemble development of the Upper Castle territory involves a comprehensive approach – the restoration of existing and reconstruction of lost buildings, including archaeological research. The placement of catering facilities, shops, services, accommodation for tourists, and the museification of archaeological sites are planned here. "The concept provides for the creation of a system of ponds that existed at the monastery, as well as the clearing of the Polota River bed," noted the city mayor. "This will allow for the organization of water tourist routes that will connect two unique historical sites: the Spaso-Yefrosinievsky Monastery and the St. Sophia Cathedral." Alexander Poznyak is confident that the implementation of this concept will allow Polotsk to become a major tourist center, a kind of calling card of Belarus. The financing of the concept implementation, which amounts to over Br2 trillion at current prices, will be carried out mainly through extra-budgetary sources. The main work is planned to be completed by the end of 2015. The Concept for the development of infrastructure in the historical districts of Polotsk has been approved by the President of Belarus. -0-