European city of the future

EUROPEAN CITY OF THE FUTURE

BUSINESS ACADEMYLEVICE

SLOVAKIA

EUROPEAN CITY OF THE FUTURE More than two thirds of the European population lives in urban areas. Cities are places

where both problems emerge and solutions are found. They are fertile ground for science and technology, for culture and innovation, for individual and collective creativity, and for mitigating the impact of climate change. However, cities are also places where problems such as unemployment, segregation and poverty are concentrated. We need to better understand the challenges that different European cities will face in the years ahead. This is why I decided to bring together a number of urban experts and representatives of European cities to think about the future. This report is the outcome of that reflection. It raises awareness of the possible future impacts of a range of trends, such as demographic decline and social polarisation, and the vulnerability of different types of cities. It also highlights opportunities and the key role cities can play in achieving EU objectives – especially in the implementation of the Europe 2020 strategy. It presents some inspirational models and visions. It also confirms the importance of an integrated approach to urban development. The ‘Cities of tomorrow’ reflection process will provide inspiration for policy-makers and practitioners involved in urban development, whether at local, regional, national or European level. Looking ahead and developing visions of the cities of tomorrow is becoming increasingly important at all levels. The development of our cities will determine the future of Europe

BRATISLAVA – THE EUROPEAN CITY OF THE FUTURE


Slovakia’s capital city Bratislava has always been slightly distinct from the rest of the country. This is probably also due in part to its asymmetric position in the south-west corner of the country. It is therefore only natural that following 1989, and with the entry of Slovakia to the European Union, Bratislava is now a city with the best prospects to fast become a modern European metropolis with a high quality of life.



Today Bratislava has a stable place on the map of global real estate players. While just a few years ago the mention of it would just raise the scrutinising eyebrow of experts, nowadays Bratislava is one of the most sought after investment localities in Europe. Commercial properties in the city on the Danube are now owned by big names like Heitman, Rodamco Europe, Hannover Leasing or Axa. In Bratislava, one can find world renowned developers like Ballymore Properties or ORCO which are accompanied also by strong Slovak players. Prestigious consulting companies also have branches here, like CB Richard Ellis, Colliers International and King Sturge.



Special importance in the urban concept of Bratislava is associated with the embankments on both sides of the River Danube, the historical city centre, together with other protected heritage sites. A specific position is held by the dockland area. The hub of the new plans is the area on the south bank of the Danube between The Old Bridge and The Harbour Bridge. Bratislava will also develop outwards to the southwest in the direction of the Austrian border, this having been prevented until 1989 by the iron curtain of the totalitarian regime.



The city centre also expects to transform, as it becomes broader, more attractive and livelier. Probably most importantly, former factory sites will vanish from the centre, being replaced by modern architecture and adopting a multipurpose role. Emphasis will be put on the construction of mixed-use buildings with quality housing, premium office space, shops and leisure areas with parks, playgrounds and sports facilities. The city centre will start to spread out toward the river; several kilometres of modern attractive boulevard will run along both banks of the river Danube.



The areas around the central bus and train stations will be transformed. By 2010 the north and south of the city on either bank of the River Danube will be linked up by a modern high-speed tramway. In the coming years the city plans to invest millions and millions of euro, primarily into the revitalisation of transport infrastructure.

The economic reforms of the Slovak government from the 2002-2006 period led to impressive economic growth, which last year came to over 8% on average. The construction sector reflects the excellent condition of the Slovak economy, and so the whole country is experiencing a further construction boom. The heart of construction work and real estate development is the capital Bratislava, which is undergoing unparalleled development.



What is among the city advantages? Above all, it is available space. Bratislava is probably the last major European city where there is still an abundance of potential construction sites available. Fantastic locations that until recently were not utilised, are about to transform into new city quarters, giving the Slovak capital a new look. The new Land Use Plan of the city, which has been approved last May, identifies a total of 4,000 hectares of additional development land earmarked for the construction of flats, shops, offices and related infrastructure. This is the key competitive advantage of Bratislava in enticing foreign investors here, which only a few other European cities can offer.



Bratislava has every chance of developing into a dynamic economic region in the heart of Europe. The excellent geographic location combined with its positive demographic vitality make the Slovak capital a unique place for the development of economic activity of every kind. Bratislava is the “European City of the Future”.


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European city of the future