Rector of the University of Latvia and Chairman of the Riga City Council signed a plan of cooperation in developing Tornkalns territory and infrastructure

Marcis Auzins stressed the importance of the Tornkalns project saying, „The UL Academic Centre of Natural Sciences is one of the most massive Baltic education construction projects of the last ten years. I am certain that the modern study infrastructure will improve studies and research work natural sciences, the field of state priority. It will also facilitate the development of Riga City both intellectually and economically.” The action plan of mutual cooperation includes development of infrastructure objects (street and cycle paths construction, improvement of public transport service) and a sports complex, formation of Riga Science and Technology Park as well as the National Museum of Natural and Technological History. Nils Usakovs, in his turn, highlighted the project benefits for the city and citizens. „These changes will help to raise the profile of Tornkalns, which territory is in a poor condition now. The fact that students will be able to meet in one place is very important both from the academic and recreational perspectives. Tornakalns, with an inflow of students and an improved infrastructure, given the city supports this development, will attract private companies, too – starting from small shops and cafes and ending with hotels. Formations of business incubators that we discussed today and that will further Riga’s development in general is of great importance. Changes in Tornkalns will be a turning point in the development of the other bank of the Daugava and signify that the city is not going to be concentrated only around the historical centre of Riga and Krasta Street.” By mutual agreement, the UL and Riga City Council set up a committee of representatives who will meet regularly and work on elaborating and implementing the action plan. The construction of the UL Academic Centre of Natural Sciences is to begin in 2012, and the Academic Centre is planned for opening on September 1, 2014. Therefore, the Riga City Council promises to solve the issues of infrastructure before the set date.

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Translated by students of the professional study programme Translator of the University of Latvia.