Case Studies   Vilnius Old Town: Užupis – Paupys Area Case study

3. Regeneration of the area

3.1. Why and when was the area chosen

In its urban function, Užupis area suffers most from division from the nucleus of the Old Town. The area represents a multitude and variety of problems - lack of utilities and deterioration to social decay. Yet it opens possibilities well responding to the vision of retaining the essential housing area with a mix of other functions, revitalised by public and private partnership into a balanced sustainable development area. The Paupys area is awaiting conversion of industries according to the General plan of Vilnius - the first area to undergo this process in Vilnius, and perhaps the whole of Lithuania. While presenting a planning challenge, these areas also hold the potential to drive their revitalisation by creating new ideas and methods of their implementation. The swing in the population type of the area hopefully gives a chance to the birth of the vital local fraternity capable not just of odd performance of arts but also able to consolidate into a fundamental community to drive and sustain the revitalisation of the area.

Vilnius Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage site) Regeneration Strategy (VOTRS) was approved by the Government of Lithuania and Vilnius city Council in early 1997. Strategy identified priority needs in conservation, conversion and investment within the World Heritage site. Užupis-Paupys area was recognised as the poorest and most dilapidated part of the Old Town needed complex conversion of former industrial units and major investments for upgrade, renewal and reconstruction of engineering infrastructure, living houses and their environment . Socially dynamic local community with clear and focused future vision, wide prospective of urban and natural regeneration of the area became stimulus for municipal financial support and influx of private investments.

As a result of consolidation of local community, there was a local nongovernmental organisation founded in 1996 - Užupis Fund. The objectives of the NGO are further consolidation and promotion of local interests, implementation of various cultural and social initiatives of the local community. Vilnius Old Town Renewal Agency (OTRA) was found in 1998 by Vilnius city Council as the main instrument for implementation of VOTRS. OTRA goals are to bridge and co-ordinate public and private interests, to seek for an equilibrium between preservation and renewal/development of the historic urban/architectural environment. OTRA also deals with the public awareness rising and involvement regarding preservation and regeneration of cultural heritage property within the UNESCO World Heritage site.

OTRA Supervision Council (SC) was found in 1998 for definition of short and long term strategic goals of VOTRP and survey of OTRA work. Representatives from Ministries of Culture, Environment and Finances, from Vilnius County administration, Economic Development Agency, other state, private and public organisations as well as from HOA from the Old Town are members of OTRA SC. There are 16 members of OTRA SC. The SC have two co-chairmen: Minister of Culture and Mayor of Vilnius. The SC is a very important instrument ensuring orientation and success of work of the OTRA. But because of its high official representative it is not as effective and flexible in regard of dynamically changing climate and needs of the VOTRP.

OTRA is authorised by the municipality to prepare annually VOTRP. There is an interdepartmental (municipal) working group found by OTRA for preparation of the program. CCB part of the program is basically prepared by OTRA following applications of residents, Home Owners associations or small business runners. Draft of the annual VOTRP are discussed and approved by SC. Then final official endorsement is given by the City Board.

According to rules of the Old Town Renewal Program as regards financial prop up of private applicants the support can be provided only for restoration/ repair of buildings exterior or their close environment in a case when the applicant covers not less than 50 percent of estimated costs. Applications usually are negotiated between OTRA and private stakeholders seeking to achieve correct balance between public and private interests as well as accurate approach towards repair of historic property or its environment. Number of applicants was more stable in 2000-2002 approximating from 35 to 40 within the entire Old Town and only some 5-8 from Užupis Paupys area. In a year 2003 this number started to grow and currently reaches app. 65 with 11 from Užupis Paupys. It is necessary to mention, that substantial growth of stake holders joining the VOTRP is caused by three major factors:

• increase of trust and cooperation between public and private sector

• growing consciousness and social consolidation of the community

Meeting with local residents and representatives in 2003

In the year 2000 there were 7 co-financing agreements signed with authorised homeowners and amount of the public support exceeded 226 thousand Litas, in 2001 – 11 agreements with public share of 287 thousand Litas, in 2002 – 10 agreements and 407 thousand Litas accordingly. Unfortunately, due to lack of municipal funding opportunities continuity of such a financial stimulation will be disturbed in 2003.

2.2. Why and how the area declined    3.2. Studies on regeneration