Colliers is involved in the master planning and project conception stages of a major regeneration scheme in Riga, Latvia, which involves rationalizing some of the old river ports in the heart of the historic city and transforming the area into a 21st century lifestyle centre combining art and culture, bars and restaurants, entertainment, shopping, housing and offices. Our team has drawn on our international development expertise to help prepare a template for the Andrejsala project on the banks of the Daugava River. The project encompasses a whole range of important requirements, from preserving historic buildings to providing a new commercial centre with attractions to boost tourism and generate a 21st century lifestyle.

The Andrejsala development area is being created as part of the City Council's initiative to improve the Riga urban environment through the involvement of private sector investment. The objective of the 90-acre first phase is for it to be dynamic, organic and open to the existing integrated district of Riga. It should serve as an example of the best urban development project in the Baltics and Northern Europe.

The vision is for Andrejsala to become a unique neighborhood for Riga providing:

• A unique urban environment of high quality architecture that respects the City's history and provides environmentally-friendly transportation
• A waterfront accessible to the public with water transport as a focal point, incorporating sport and recreation
• A cultural centre of Riga, including the creation of a modern art museum to serve as an anchor for public attractions
• The ability to create its own community with a sense of place

The aim is to expand and develop the Riga city centre in the direction of the Daugava River and to transform the derelict and ineffectively used part of the city centre into an economically justified and livable environment that supports and supplements the historical Riga city centre, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Of key importance is the ability to develop a blend of elements that reflect a true urban environment.

For more information on Andrejsala, please contact Philip Harcourt.