Vilnius is preparing for a large public space project: a Millennium Square will be built on an area of 1.2 ha in Naujininkai, near Tūkstantmečio and Darius and Girėno streets, which will reveal the untapped potential of this territory. Vilnius Development Company, which is developing the project on behalf of Vilnius City Municipality, has selected the contractor for the works – UAB “EIKA Construction”.
Having won the public procurement, the company will have to carry out the territory’s improvement and renovation work by 2027. The territory is currently overgrown with vegetation, residents have planted gardens there, and are keeping an inventory of the work. After arranging the square, the tradition of gardens will be continued – the project plans to leave space for community gardens, which will be available to local residents. A promenade, paths, quiet recreation areas and an active leisure area with sports facilities will also be installed here.
EIKA Construction will pay great attention to ensuring that both the already installed square and the ongoing works are environmentally friendly. Water supply, sewage and drainage systems will be arranged, rainwater collection and infiltration into the soil will be taken care of. The company will preserve and relocate the most valuable trees, and add new greenery to the territory.
“This is our fourth recreational facility, so we are calm, having not only theoretical knowledge, but also practical experience, we know what to expect and what expectations are placed on us. We are always guided by the fact that we must do everything both qualitatively and on time, so this time we, as the general contractor, take responsibility for this. We understand that the “EIKA Construction” brand already means that the project must be successful, so we are ready to start work and once again justify our name,” comments Almantas Čebanauskas, the head of “EIKA Construction”.
A panorama will open.
“This project is an effort to reconcile urban development with respect for nature and the needs of the community. In this territory of state land, people have long planted gardens on the slopes. Maintaining this tradition, community gardens will continue to be grown in the territory. Millennium Square will become a lively, inviting space where the rhythm of the city and the human need to stop meet,” said Vilnius City Mayor Valdas Benkunskas.
The abundant greenery and protected trees in the public space dictated the direction of the project. A significant part of the territory will be left as it is now, simply by clearing it of debris and repairing existing infrastructure elements, such as the stairs in the west of the territory.
The future paths, ramps, stairs and recreation areas of Millennium Square have been designed taking into account the existing traffic flows here – for example, future entrances and paths will be in place of the current paths. Due to the expressive terrain of this territory, it will not be possible to install paths adapted to visitors with physical disabilities everywhere. However, the main observation deck of Millennium Square will be accessible to them via a specially equipped barrier-free path.
“This place will be open for enjoying the panorama from a high slope and relaxing surrounded by nature. The Millennium Square project is distinguished by its complex terrain, established community activities, and the need to sensitively combine new infrastructure solutions with the existing environment. With experience in implementing complex public space projects, we can ensure the sustainable development of this square – from forming a clear vision to implementing sustainable solutions that create value for residents,” said Laura Joffė, head of the Vilnius Development Company, which is developing the project.
Focus on community gardens
After arranging and cleaning the currently naturally formed intensive green area in Naujininkai, functional zones will appear, located on the slope currently located here. A walking path with recreation and play facilities will be installed in the upper part of the slope, walking, quiet rest and observation paths with playgrounds will be formed below, and a garden space for the needs of community residents will be formed on the third level.
Residents are asked to harvest and collect their inventory from the territory by October 1. After the vegetable garden territory is arranged, residents will be given the opportunity to store their inventory in a gazebo-pergola with a utility room built next to the vegetable gardens. It is planned to install a water column next to it for convenient watering of the vegetable gardens.
Residents will also be informed about the planned works at a meeting organized by the Vilnius Development Company and on information stands. The first stage of the transformation includes the removal of piled-up garbage, dismantling of some fences and unauthorized outbuildings in areas where pedestrian paths and other project elements will be installed.
The square is safe and open to everyone.
Since the new square is located next to the busy Tūkstantmečio Street, in order to suppress the noise emanating from it, the northern part of the territory is planned to be planted with large trees – lindens and maples. When designing the connection with the accesses to Tūkstantmečio Street, metal structural stairs are planned, going down all the way to the nearby gas station.
Upon completion of the project, the paths of Millennium Square will be illuminated, with new benches and recreation areas. A video surveillance system integrated throughout Millennium Square will ensure a safe environment for visitors.
In addition to the gazebos, observation decks, playgrounds and recreation areas, retaining walls, educational trails and steel stairs planned to be installed in the area, telecommunications, electrical networks, street lighting, water supply and sewage systems will also be renovated.
The value of the contract services is almost 1.4 million euros including VAT.