Vilnius has received a construction permit to renew the square next to the Naujoji Vilnia Cultural Centre, in a district of the Lithuanian capital outside the city centre.

The project covers about 1 hectare of public space. Today, the square is used mainly as a transit area and becomes busier during events. The planned renewal is intended to make it more comfortable for everyday use, community gatherings and cultural activity.

The project was prepared by Vilniaus vystymo kompanija, the city-owned company responsible for developing and managing public-interest projects in Vilnius.

The renewed square is planned as a stronger meeting point for Naujoji Vilnia residents and visitors. It would be linked more clearly with the Cultural Centre building and adapted for both daily recreation and larger events.

Planned features include three-level amphitheatre-style benches, more greenery, a rain garden, a fountain element and improved pedestrian paths. The old worn stairs, which make movement through the area more difficult, are to be removed. New paths are planned with a longitudinal slope of no more than 5%.

Project element
Planned change

Area
Renewal of about 1 hectare of square space

Movement
Removal of old stairs and new pedestrian paths with slopes up to 5%

Seating
Three-level amphitheatre-style benches

Water
Rain garden and a fountain element integrated into the amphitheatre

Events
Outdoor electricity points and reinforced surfacing for food trucks

Greenery
Protection of valuable existing trees; removal only of invasive and poor-condition trees

Yellow-toned paving stones are proposed for the surfaces, creating a visual connection with the materials of St Casimir’s Church in Naujoji Vilnia. Space is also being left for a future sculpture to be installed through the “Kuriu Vilnių” programme.

The design process began with meetings involving local residents, the local eldership, library representatives and the Cultural Centre. Designers met the community three times: on 8 October 2024 for a walk through the square and needs assessment, on 22 October 2024 to discuss priorities, and in spring 2025 to present the concept.

Residents highlighted the need to separate the space from busy streets with greenery, create an amphitheatre and make movement easier by removing most of the stairs.

Vilnius Mayor Valdas Benkunskas said the city wants high-quality public spaces not only in the centre but also in more distant districts. He said the square was designed in the Soviet period as a representative transit space, while today’s residents have different needs.

Laura Joffė, head of Vilniaus vystymo kompanija, said the community had clearly expressed a wish to turn a mostly pass-through area into a more welcoming place for daily use.

The key development is the construction permit for the renewal works. This means the project has moved beyond concept and coordination toward preparation for implementation.

Architect and landscape architect Linas Ūsas, who worked on the project with the team, said particular attention is being paid to universal access and sustainable rainwater management. In the lower part of the square, the rain garden is planned to collect, naturally filter and infiltrate surface rainwater into the ground.

The project also includes an open canopy to protect visitors from strong sun or rain, and modern small architectural elements. Earthworks in valuable tree root zones must be carried out manually or with an air spade to protect roots as much as possible.

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Šaltinio patikra

Tekstas parengtas remiantis pranešimu apie gautą statybos leidimą Naujosios Vilnios aikštės atnaujinimui.

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Patikrinta, kad projekte nurodyta apie 1 ha atnaujinama teritorija.
Atskirtas faktinis projekto etapas: gautas statybos leidimas, darbai dar nepristatyti kaip…
Įtraukti bendruomenės susitikimų terminai ir projekto dalyviai.
Vietovė priskirta Vilniui, o ne naujienų agentūros pavadinimui.

SourceBNS

ScopeVilnius

Updated2026-05-25 10:36

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Article contextPeople & topics3#7Valdas BenkunskasLaura JoffėLinas Ūsas