Complex reconstruction of the main square of a city
Published on 29 November 2019
Romania
Nord-Vest
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About this good practice
The central part of the city of Oradea was opened to car traffic almost entirely, which was imposing a high burden on the inhabitants and the overall landscape. The high density of cars was impacting the mobility (jams, obstacles for the pedestrians, etc), but its the negative effects were considerable also from environmental perspective (high pollution), affecting the overall experience of a local and/or visitor.
The city had a holistic approach in changing the situation, combining different interventions and different funding sources. The main square was redesigned and reconstructed, with the use of EU funds. The car traffic was reduced to minimum, being allowed only through especially designed areas of mixed use with pedestrians and cyclists. The largest part of the square is closed for cars, being offered
The buildings in the square were renovated, through a programme run by the municipality. The owners were provided incentives to start the renovation works, by being offered financial support and technical assistance.
These interventions were accompanied by measures aimed to attract people in the main square (events) and to encourage suitable economic activities (as caffee’s to replace the bank offices which were predominant before).
The main beneficiaries of the practice are the local inhabitants and the tourists, as well as the new businesses which are populating the square.
The city had a holistic approach in changing the situation, combining different interventions and different funding sources. The main square was redesigned and reconstructed, with the use of EU funds. The car traffic was reduced to minimum, being allowed only through especially designed areas of mixed use with pedestrians and cyclists. The largest part of the square is closed for cars, being offered
The buildings in the square were renovated, through a programme run by the municipality. The owners were provided incentives to start the renovation works, by being offered financial support and technical assistance.
These interventions were accompanied by measures aimed to attract people in the main square (events) and to encourage suitable economic activities (as caffee’s to replace the bank offices which were predominant before).
The main beneficiaries of the practice are the local inhabitants and the tourists, as well as the new businesses which are populating the square.
Resources needed
The reconstruction of the main square was performed within an EU project worth 3.6 mil Eur. The municipality is running a multi-annual funding program, supporting the renovation of the buildings in the city center. Additionally, there are regular important events organized in the main square.
Evidence of success
The car transit was reduced considerably in the main square, more space became available for pedestrians and for outdoor activities. The city attracts more tourists and the main square is hosting an increasing number of official and ad-hoc public events.
The bank offices are gradually replaced by caffee's and restaurants, transforming the main square into a more welcoming area.
The bank offices are gradually replaced by caffee's and restaurants, transforming the main square into a more welcoming area.
Potential for learning or transfer
The reconstruction of certain elements of public space, even if welcomed and necessary, does not have the potential to change the overall situation. It is necessary to develop complex programs, combining a series of measures and funding sources, so that the intervention is offering a whole new experience, which has the potential to generate an impact, considerable enough to change habits.
Such complex interventions must be well coordinated, otherwise the discomfort generated by the construction works may generate a negative attitude in the local community.
Such complex interventions must be well coordinated, otherwise the discomfort generated by the construction works may generate a negative attitude in the local community.
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
Oradea Municipality
Romania
Nord-Vest
Contact
Project Manager