Case studies

The taming of the shore: 300 years of premeditated success in St Petersburg

ABSTRACT

St. Petersburg is the European champion in terms of bridges, and a silver medallist in the canal and islands stakes where you will find 64 rivers, 48 canals, 170 kilometers of embankment, around 100 islands and 800 bridges. In 1703, the idea of constructing a new European city on territory that had only recently been conquered appeared promising to the Peter the Great. In 1712, Peter moved the court from Moscow to Petersburg, and in 1721 he declared it the capital of the Empire, developing the city’s plans and the principles of its construction. For the most part it was foreign architects that constructed the city during this initial phase, and it was planned that it would be nothing like the former capital, Moscow, and far more like Amsterdam.

With a current population of 4.7 million St. Petersburg is the largest city in Europe that isn’t a capital. Its geographical location, developed land, air and maritime transport infrastructure, diversified economy and extensive pool of qualified labour are the city competitive advantages which attract international investments.

BIOGRAPHY

Igor Deviatko, Chief Information Specialist, Committee for Investments and Strategic Projects, St. Petersburg Government, Russia

Igor Deviatko is the Chief Information Specialist of Committee for Investments and Strategic Projects in the Government of Saint Petersburg and is in charge of the city investment projects promotion at international conferences, exhibitions and other events. In 2003 he was engaged in export operations for heavy machinery vessels (OMZ). Prior to that he held the position of Head of International Programmes for NHF charity fund accredited to Plenipotentiary of the President.

He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Management from St. Petersburg State University in 1998. In 2000 he received a Masters Degree in International Relations from the same University with his dissertation dedicated to state regulation of the small and medium-size enterprises.

‘Marine Façade’ – the biggest reclamation and development project of a waterfront area in Europe

ABSTRACT

At the present moment the Marine Façade project – the biggest reclamation and development project in a waterfront area in Europe is implemented in Saint-Petersburg. On newly reclaimed territories with an overall area of 476ha the construction of the only modern Marine Passenger Port in Russia is underway. The port will receive cruise and ferry vessels with LOA over 300 metres and will be ready for vessels in 2008.

On recently reclaimed territories the new business centre of Saint-Petersburg, the northern capital of Russia, will be built. New residential quarters, recreational zones and the biggest congress centre in Europe are also incorporated into the project. Part of Western High-Speed Diameter (ZSD) will go through the new territory. Good transport links to new districts, the historical city centre and the airport will be maintained.

BIOGRAPHY

Lev Pucshansky, Vice President, Marine Façade Ltd, Russia

As Vice President of Marine Façade Lev Pucshansky is responsible for investments, finance and property development activities. He has an investment banking background and basic education in investments and financial management (MSc in Economics and a PhD in Property).

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