CRAIOVA growth pole; cultural and economical pole on Jiu river; the heart of Oltenia region; city of Craiova, between culture and economy; Oltenian spirit and European prosperity! revival of an ancient destiny: “City of Governors”; the spirit and vision of Mihai Viteazu; The city’s vision for development is based on the following principles: Promoting the social and territorial cohesion both within the city and in the relations with the : local communities from the metropolitan area in order to achieve a balanced development; encouragement of the urban development towards the multicentric model by encouraging the provision of adequate facilities in all neighbourhood centres (possibly shaping these centres) and counteracting developments that maintain or increase the need for access towards the centre or for crossing the city systematically or frequently for current needs; optimizing the access to the peri-urban area by adopting policies to modernize transport and increase traffic intensity. These will be achieved through the effective integration and interconnection of local, regional, national and international transport networks; the primacy of environmental conservation at the expense of economic development (assuming balanced economic growth and imposing the use of protective production technologies); increasing the living standards of the population as a result of the revival of the economic growth and the improvement of the situation of the various social aspects; Establishing and encouraging desirable areas of local development and discouraging those that are not profitable in the long run from the urban, social and environmental point of view: focus on activities in the educational, cultural, service, IT and high-tech industries; the balanced exploitation of natural resources and the preservation of biodiversity as well as exceptional cultural heritage in the context of promoting a sustainable tourism (emphasis on the cultural and educational tourism); The uniqueness of Craiova is given by:
The parks: Romanescu, Lunca Jiului; Great Road Inns (Putureanu, Hurez, Metropol); Historic centre: Historically speaking, Craiova was formed by summing up the "slums" that belonged (as lands) to some guilds and boyars; in the "heart of Craiova" remain the courtyards of the great boyars (the house and the established church) and the slums; the boyar houses are integrated into the urban texture that has developed including them; some were transformed at the end of the 19th century and became a kind of prototype of urban dwelling; areas on pre-established levels, with modest batches, in boundary areas, which are now in the city's texture (Lascăr Catargiu, the River Area); Two important universities; Cultural institutions: the National Theatre, leading member of the European Convention of Theatres, Liric Theatre, the Philharmonic; National and international cultural and artistic events: "Amza Pellea" Festival – Knight of the Happy Figure (the first festival of comic creation in Central and Eastern Europe), in partnership with the main European festivals of similar style, Craiova Shakespeare Festival (the second festival in Europe dedicated exclusively to the Shakespearean creations), "Maria Tǎnase" National Folk Festival, "Days of Craiova" Festival, "Craiova Musical" Festival, "Rock, Jazz, Folk" Festival. All of these festivals have had international participations and have great potential for internationalization, which was not completely possible so far due to financial possibilities, but also a significant lack of international experience of the producers in organizing large international events. „Maria Tǎnase” Folkloric Ensemble; Oltenia Museum, Theodor Aman Art Museum in Craiova (with the collection of "Constantin Brâncuşi" original works, Băniei House, the Metropolitan Cathedral in Craiova); Popular celebrations such as: The Fair of the Potters, the Harvest Day. The development vision of the Craiova Municipality
The affirmation of Craiova municipality in the regional and national profile as an important centre of economic and cultural development, increasing the attractiveness of the city as an attractive space for living by means of the diversified job offer, complex and quality public services as well as various leisure possibilities. Strategic development objectives of the city
Increasing the economic competitiveness of Craiova by capitalizing on local resources and focusing on key areas with potential for development of the area; Increasing the economic competitiveness of Craiova by capitalizing the local resources and focusing on key areas with development potential of the area; Development of Craiova Municipality by connecting to regional, national and European transport networks, based on a coherent policy of developing functional relations, while improving the specific infrastructure; Providing quality public services (education, health, social services, administration, population safety), following both the typology of demand and its territorial dimension; Creating the necessary conditions for the demographic development of the area by correlating the demand with the labour offer and ensuring the conditions of a decent living for the city inhabitants; Asserting the tourist identity of Craiova by valorising and promoting the cultural and natural heritage; Increasing the quality of environmental factors and ensuring a favourable climate for dwelling. URBAN REGENERATION PROJECTS IN THE PAST ARRANGEMENT AND REVITALIZATION OF THE HISTORIC CENTRE OF CRAIOVA –PILOT AREA Financed within the REGIONAL OPERATIONAL PROGRAMME 2007-2013
Priority axis 1 „Support to sustainable development of urban growth poles” Area of intervention 1.1. „Integrated plans of urban development” Total value of the project: 76.079.003,88 lei
Own contribution: 1.229.612,50 lei
Non-reimbursable financial assistance: 60.251.012,50 lei
The works execution contract had the value of 52 976 983,41 lei, without VAT (11 669 957,2 euro). The work execution period was of 19 months The studied area was limited by:
North: A.I.Cuza Street(up to its limit) South: M. Kogălniceanu Street and Eugen Carada Street (up to their limit) East: Arieş Street (până la zona pasajului subteran) West: Nicolaescu Plopşor Street(including its adjacent area)
The central historic area of Craiova municipality has 5,06% of the total surface of the city and has a surface of 380 ha, and the studied historic area that represents the objects of this project has a surface of 12,5 ha, representing 3,28% of the central historic area of the city. The framework of the intervention area of the project representing the centre of Craiova Municipality. Lipscani Street in the centre of Craiova in different stages – the interwar period. Streets from the old centre – the post-war period. Lipscani street - before starting the works. Direct beneficiaries:
➢ The inhabitants of the Centre neighbourhood of Craiova municipality. ➢ Economic and commercial agents within the perimeter of the Historic center area of Craiova Municipality ➢ Public and private institutions within the perimeter of the area of the Historical Center of Craiova municipality and the persons who benefit from the services provided by them. Indirect beneficiaries:
➢ Inhabitants of Craiova growth pole. ➢ Tourists. ➢ Students. Executia lucrarilor a constat in:
➢ Surface of modernized streets 23.230 sm, From which: ➢Road surface 14.286 sm ➢Sidewalk area 8.944 sm ➢Green areas surface 1.254 sm ➢Lengths of the modernized water pipes 3.025 ml ➢Sewer pipe lengths 3.592 ml ➢Lengths of hot water pipes, heating 440 ml ➢Surveillance cameras 42 pieces ➢Statues 5 pieces Simultaneously with the arrangement of the Historical Center, works were also carried out to repair the facades of buildings, or to consolidate them by the owners. Theodor Aman Street entered into repairs, and the owners' associations have restored the facades of the blocks during the same period. Works were carried out on all the streets of the Historical Center area. Buzesti Square - practically the most important place in the "future" Historical Center, during the works.
After the completion of the underground networks it was possible to move to the superstructure of the streets.
Theodor Aman Street now represents an extremely generous space for the Historical Center area, an area of promenade and relaxation at the same time. Artesian fountains and green spaces have completely changed the initial appearance of the area, contributing to the restoration of the environment and urban regeneration.
Buzesti Square - the main attraction of the Historical Center of Craiova.
Street shows organized in Buzesti Square.
Panait Mosoiu Plaza
Crossroad of C.S. Nicolescu-Plopsor Street with Lipscani Street and “Saint Ilie” Church. The areas behind the housing blocks were treated as crossing areas to the main urban elements of the Historical Center. As the boxes with the distribution meters for electricity and natural gas remained in the street, the method of applying some graffiti drawings was used.
“Fratii Buzesti” Square
Crossroad of Lipscani Street and Th. Aman Street
Theodor Aman Street. Crossroad of Theodor Aman Street and Lipscani Street.
FUTURE URBAN REGENERATION PROJECTS Increasing the attractiveness of Craiova through integrated investments in the historical center of the city – the former Old Market Area The former Old Market area is part of the historical center of Craiova and is located at the confluence between the historical center and the new center of the city.
The purpose of the revitalization of the area is the rehabilitation of the urban space and its integration in the historical central area of Lipascania Craiova (Pilot Area). The current situation of the area
At the present moment, the studied area is deconstructed following the decommissioning of the market stalls and the demolition of some buildings without historical or architectural value. As a result, the area is not attractive to traders, buyers and tourists and does not add value to the quality of life, but negatively affects the lives of the inhabitants of the central area and does not continue the activities in the historical area with tourist and commercial impact. Currently the former Old Market Area includes:
Lands: private property, lands assigned for use during the existence of constructions, lands belonging to the public domain of Craiova, 2 barren lands put up for sale by owners Constructions: the former Old Square area is made up of four similar constructions with ground floor height regime
Proposals: For the rehabilitation and revitalization of the former Old Market area, Craiova City Hall intends to purchase the two free construction lands in order to arrange outdoor spaces for commercial and public catering, pedestrian and green areas, so that the entire area of the Old Market becomes a unitary urban space that will attract tourists and locals for walks and fun, but also for various public activities. The specific objectives pursued by carrying out this project are: Consolidation, restoration and re-functionalization of the four existing buildings of the former Old Market, bringing them to their original form. Elimination of road traffic and parking in the area; Arrangement of a multifunctional pedestrian urban area, arranged for the organization of events and shows such as traditional fairs that attract a large number of visitors; The location of light, removable buildings, on the lot where the market stalls were, for the function of public food. Arrangement of the area with urban furniture, lighting poles, trash cans, benches,fountains, billboards and advertising, etc.
Advantages:
Creating a coherent and modern urban space, integrated in the area of the Historical Center already rehabilitated. A function close to the one held over time, will be given to the urban space, respectively that of a fair organized on the occasion of secular and religious holidays. Ensuring a multifunctional urban space, suitable for spending free time and organizing events and shows involving a large number of people. Ensuring the furniture of the urban space with light, removable constructions from wood and suitable and modern furniture, made of wood. Thus, through the implementation of this project, local advantages will be obtained regarding the pedestrian traffic safety and the creation of a multifunctional urban space, and the return to a function that the area has had over time, the fair organized on the occasion of cultural or religious events. Value of the project: 12.415.847, 37 lei, including VAT, representing approximately 2.641.670 euros
Project INDICATORS: Total surface of the area: 12.547 sm Road surface: 1.028 sm Surface of the arranged pedestrian area: 3.460 sm Green area surface: 300 sm