Development of historical riverside protection area in Narva/Estonia and Ivangorod/Russia II stage

The overall objective of the project is integrated construction and improvement of the historical promenade areas in Narva/Estonia and Ivangorod/Russia and conversion of the CBC area into attractive place as united tourist destination. The present project is a follow-up of the “Integrated development of the historical riverside protection area in Narva/Estonia and Ivangorod/Russia” project implemented by partners in 2007 – 2009; it continues activities and gives added value to development of cross-border area as a united tourism destination making it attractive for tourists and ensuring stable sustainable development of the cross-border region. The previous project resulted in development of documentation pack (technical, economic studies, development of tourist products and construction projects) that allows partners to construct promenade areas. The implemented studies show that riverside area being located in historical medieval city parts is in poor condition, needs improvement of landscaping, access ways and basic infrastructure. The project gives value added to Estonia/EU – Russian border region by contributing to enhancement of the cities’ image and living environment, increases the cities’ competitiveness and the quality of recreation possibilities attracting more tourists, ensures fast development and increased competitiveness. With construction of promenades in historical medieval parts in Narva and Ivangorod riverside zones become attractive recreation areas, that gives strong impetus for further development of promenades as tourist products. Narva (Lead Partner) and Ivangorod municipalities are project partners in this project. Committee for physical culture, sports and tourism of Kingisepp region (Russia), Ida-Viru County Government, Environmental Board of Estonia and Heritage Conservation Board of Estonia are project associated partners. Main project activities are: management and coordination; information and visibility; integrated construction of promenades in Ivangorod and Narva, organisation of information tour for journalists, project partners, potential investors, stakeholders, tourist companies. Following European Commission Monitoring mission recommendations partners included into the project fund-raising and promotion activities in order to find sources of funding for construction of promenade parts not covered by this project. Due to large-scale volume of works and their cost project partners split construction of promenades into stages and fixed areas for the first construction stage. In Narva it is an upper level of the promenade located in the Dark Garden, in Ivangorod – the promenade northern part. Main target groups of the project are: tourists and visitors, local population, local authorities, potential investors, tourist companies, regional and state authorities.

1) Border riverside areas in Narva and Ivangorod are converted into attractive convenient sights for inhabitants and visitors; 2) The Northern promenade of Narva river – the thematic place called “Fisher market” is reconstructed in Ivangorod (ca 3570m2 ); 3) Part of the upper promenade of Narva Fortress is reconstructed (ca 4700m2 ); 4) A festive opening of Narva and Ivangorod promenades in February 2014 were attended by the Estonian Ministry of the Interior, Governor of Leningrad Region, tourist companies, mass-media, potential investors and a wider public; 5) 5 round tables are organised with the participation of Russian funding institutions and private investors; 6) Potential investors expressed their wish to develop the Ivangorod promenade and support its further construction. 2 contracts with investors are signed to operate in the newly created walking area in Ivangorod; 7) In order to promote both promenades, various publications, articles, press conferences, TV/radio broadcasts are produced; 8) Raised awareness of tourist operators, service providers and inhabitants in project regions and countries about new opportunities for visitors; 9) Cross-border cooperation between Narva and Ivangorod is enhanced, future common initiatives are outlined; 10) Promotional and thematic materials about Narva and Ivangorod culture and history are widely available for the local and regional audience; 11) Regions are widely promoted due to close cross-border cooperation and joint events

After completion of the reconstruction works Ivangorod gets the part of the northern promenade - thematic place called “Fisher market” that is reorganized, reconditioned and put in order. The northern part of the promenade becomes attractive for tourists and local population as there is created basic infrastructure. There will be constructed: 119 m of piles and retaining walls, 357 sq.m of embankment and 150 sq.m of Fisher market paved; 119 run meters of paths for pedestrians and for cyclists; 1 staircase to water will make safe and comfortable access to water; 34 lanterns will be installed, so in dark periods the area will be illuminated and safe for walks; 5 benches, 5 litters installed; 3570 sq.m are covered by landscape design; After completion of the reconstruction works Narva gets the part of the upper promenade that is reorganized, reconditioned and put in order. The upper part of the promenade becomes attractive for tourists and local population as there is created basic infrastructure that makes stay in the area comfortable and safe. There will be constructed: 1 rainwater system, 1752 sq.m of paths, safe and comfortable access to the area; 15 lanterns will be installed, so in dark periods the area will be illuminated and safe for walks; 8 benches, 6 litters, 4 vases installed; 4700 sq.m are covered by landscape design; 15 trees and bushes planted instead of sick ones; 2762 sq.m of lawns created;