The Kyiv city authorities have announced plans for a significant redevelopment of Bessarabia Square, located at the intersection of Taras Shevchenko Boulevard and Khreshchatyk Street. The initiative aims to create an inclusive public space that aligns with contemporary European urban standards, supported by private funding, including contributions from the pharmaceutical company Farmak.
Valentyn Mondryivskyi, Deputy Head of the Kyiv City State Administration (KCSA), stated that the area has remained largely unused since the removal of the Lenin monument in 2013. He noted that the current condition of the square does not facilitate its use as a recreational area, and the lack of pedestrian crossings limits access for residents to central routes.
“The city plans to implement a new space project that considers accessibility requirements, current norms, and the unique characteristics of the location,” Mondryivskyi explained.
The proposed changes to Bessarabia Square include:
- Pedestrian Crossings: The existing underground pathways will be replaced with barrier-free surface routes across Taras Shevchenko Boulevard.
- Urban Amenities: New street furniture, energy-efficient lighting, and a fountain will be installed in the square.
- Landscaping: The area will see an update to its green spaces.
- Accessibility: The redesigned space will be fully accommodating for parents with strollers, wheelchair users, and individuals with limited mobility.
Volodymyr Kostiuk, General Director of Farmak, emphasized the significance of this project for the company, which has deep historical ties to Kyiv. He remarked, “Farmak is proud to support this initiative, and its implementation will be managed by the Kyiv City State Administration through the relevant structural departments.”
The redevelopment project has undergone multiple stages of review and approval. The KCSA’s ongoing competition commission for attracting investors has endorsed the use of extrabudgetary funds for the project, as formalized in an official resolution.
The next phase will involve procurement procedures through the electronic system Prozorro.
Completion of the project is anticipated in the following year.
Kyiv's Bessarabia Square is set for a major renovation aimed at enhancing accessibility and public use. The project, supported by private funding, includes new pedestrian routes, urban amenities, and improved green spaces.