UL and Riga City Council continue cooperation for development of the Academic Centre and Torņakalns neighbourhood

The first results of the constructive cooperation between the municipality and UL have already materialised, namely – the construction of a pedestrian bridge to cross Kīleveina grāvis and to facilitate movement in the surrounding area, reaching the public transport for the residents of the area, as well as for the UL students.

UL has continuously underlined its openness to every member of society, not only students and researchers, therefore the development of the territory of the UL  Academic Centre takes place in cooperation with the Union of Architects, the public organisations of the community and area, as well as in compliance with the development plans of the Academic Centre and Riga city, creating an open, accessible environment for innovation and knowledge development. Recently, the winner of the Academic Centre territory design competition was announced – the first place was won by the Polish architect office “SBS Engineering group SP. ZOO”. When creating a vision for the improvement of the area, UL included the task for the participants of the competition to create a freely accessible, comfortable and sustainable public space and the inclusion of the Academic Centre in the overall vision of the city's development.

As emphasized by the UL Rector, Professor Indriķis Muižnieks during the meeting, international financial institutions have recognized the development of the Academic Centre as a socially responsible project. “Discussions with the city’s governance have already yielded good results, and we hope for equally productive cooperation and support for the plans of UL in the future,” said the rector. "The university aspires to rapid advancement in order to commence the House of Sports and the House of health projects and to continue the improvement of the territory.”

Deputy Chair of the Riga City Council Vilnis Ķirsis, admitted that Torņakalns is, without a doubt, one of the most promising districts in the city. “For more than two years now, we have regular meetings with UL governance and administration, observing progress every time,” he acknowledged. “The bicycle path to Ziepniekkalns has already been constructed, the bridge over the Kīleveina grāvis is taking shape, the improvement of the promenade of Mūkusala will begin soon. There is a massive amount of work. Of course, it would be preferable to have everything at once and immediately, students would definitely like to have a convenient way to reach the railway station tomorrow, but infrastructure facilities require a lot of time and much money. This is perhaps the “crust” of all the good things that currently are underway.”

“It is very pleasant to return to my university and see the progress that has been achieved over the years,” emphasized the Deputy Chair of the Riga City Council Edvards Ratnieks, who is a UL graduate himself, and has been an active member of the UL Student Council during his studies. “I remember how, many years ago, we viewed the first model of the Academic Centre in the UL Senate Hall, and today I can see two real buildings, while a third is being built, and the plans for the future are already clear. I like the idea that the university is an environment for students where everything is available in the same location – studies, library, science, also accommodation. This is how a commune is formed, fostering the feeling that everyone is working towards common goals.”

After the meeting, the Chair of the City Development Committee of the Riga City Council Inese Andersone noted: “here, I have a feeling that things are happening!” She recollected that at the previous meeting, UL had stated that the study environment and the business environment in that district of the city were “split” by a ditch. “We see a bridge already being built to create a connection between business and university, which is important for both students and employers,” said I. Andersone.

Discussing the next steps in the development of the Academic Centre, the UL Academic Centre Development Programme (ACAP) team presented the UL vision for the House of Health. Its goal is to provide comprehensive and high-quality (precision) health care throughout life, focusing on an individualized approach. It is planned to create a study, science and research base in the field of outpatient services, which will create a synergy of treatment, pedagogy and science and promote the development of new treatment technologies. UL presented options for the creation and use of the House of Health, inviting the Riga City Council to become involved in the project, expanding the opportunities for the residents of Riga to receive quality healthcare services, while promoting the education and attraction of young specialists to the healthcare system in Latvia.