Serebryanka Transformation: New Green Zone and Park Along the Svisloch River

At the center of Minsk’s transformations is the Serebryanka district, where a large-scale reconstruction is being prepared along the banks of the Svisloch River. The urban planning project by the Lenin district administration calls for the demolition of more than 100 private houses located in the area between Denisovskaya, Sheipichi, Dvorishchi, and Yakubova streets, with the aim of creating a unique green zone and a public park. This initiative is designed to improve the urban environment, preserve natural heritage, and develop infrastructure for both active and quiet leisure for city residents.

Project Overview and Objectives

According to a detailed plan proposed for public discussion, the area will be divided into several functional zones:

• Subzone LR-1. This area features residential estate development around Semenova Street. The plan is to preserve its historical appearance while simultaneously creating zones for relaxation, sports, and entertainment. The project stipulates that buildings will occupy no more than 18% of the area, while green spaces will cover at least 60%.
• Subzone LR-2. This zone covers the Loshitsky Estate-Park Complex, which has the status of a protected area of historical and cultural heritage. No changes are planned here in order to preserve the unique architectural and natural landscape.
• Subzone LRpr. This is the eastern part of the territory, which includes the water surfaces of the Svisloch River and the adjacent green areas up to Yakubova Street. It is home to the estate development of the former villages of Dvorishchi and Sheipichi, which is planned to be completely demolished by 2030. In its place, a modern natural park will be created, featuring pedestrian and bicycle paths, small bridges over the river, minor architectural structures, and rest areas.

Project Implementation Stages

The project is being implemented in stages, which allows for minimizing inconvenience to residents and thoroughly preparing the area for renewal:

• First Stage (by 2026). In the initial phase, work will focus on improving the natural park from the Yakubova Street side. During this period, activities will include landscaping, the creation of pedestrian and bicycle paths, and the reconstruction of engineering structures. At the same time, any reconstruction of private houses aimed at increasing their area will be prohibited.
• Second Stage (by 2030). Once the park area has been successfully prepared, the demolition of 105 houses, which account for 7.6% of the territory, will begin. The cleared plots will be transformed into a multifunctional space for quiet relaxation, sports, and active engagement with nature.

Environmental and Cultural Significance

The area along the Svisloch possesses unique natural characteristics: it includes marshy sections and is home to protected species of plants and birds. The creation of the park will not only improve the environmental conditions but also preserve Minsk’s natural heritage. Preserving historical and cultural sites, such as the Loshitsky Estate-Park Complex, remains a priority, highlighting the balance between urban infrastructure development and nature conservation.

Public Participation and Development Prospects

The project has already been opened for public discussion by the Lenin district administration. Residents of Serebryanka and all interested parties can submit their comments and proposals until March 3, 2025. This approach allows for the consideration of citizens’ opinions and the adaptation of the project to meet the real needs of the population. The new green zone will serve as a venue for cultural and sports events, strolls, and quiet relaxation, meeting modern standards for urban quality of life. The creation of the park will improve the ecological situation, increase the attractiveness of the district, and serve as a prime example of a successful urban planning solution in Minsk.

Conclusion

The large-scale reconstruction of the private sector near the Svisloch represents an important step in Minsk’s development. The new natural park, emerging in place of the old estate development, promises to provide residents with a unique space for relaxation, sports, and interaction with nature, while also emphasizing the environmental and cultural significance of historical areas. This initiative demonstrates how modern urban projects can combine innovative solutions with the preservation of historical heritage and natural balance.