The territories of the old industrial zones in the northern capital occupy more than 6,000 hectares of urban area, and it is high time to start renovating them. Mikhail Kondiain, a member of the City Planning Council of St. Petersburg, a corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Architecture and Building Sciences, said this at a round table in the media center “On the Field of Mars” (Marsovo Field, 3).
The St. Petersburg law on the integrated development of territories has now been “paused” until 2024 – however, the ultimate goal of the CRT program should be, among other things, the effective use of the former industrial zones of the city.
“When we talk about the integrated development of territories, the key word here is complex,” said Kondillian. – If the complexity is limited to the construction of housing with kindergartens, schools and clinics, this is a painful situation. Because giving the territory of the “gray belt” just for housing development is quite dangerous, it can harm the city infrastructure as a whole.”
The expert notes that it is time to define a clear policy regarding the industrial zones of St. Petersburg. For example, to reserve territories that should become future highways and transport hubs and then acquire urban spaces thanks to the free market.
“In fact, it’s good that we have put the history of the CRT on pause for now, because today we are in a vacuum in terms of urban ideology and politics. It is time for us to formulate key concepts and values in this area for society, the expert community, government and business,” Kondiyan concluded.
Recall that the renovation of residential areas in St. Petersburg, which was provided for by the legislation on the integrated development of territories, was “frozen” until January 1, 2024.
Source: Rosbalt
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