Polotsk has begun implementing the Concept for the Development of Infrastructure in Historical Districts

April 25, Minsk /BelTA correspondent/. The implementation of the Concept for the development of infrastructure in the historical districts of Polotsk has already begun. This was announced today during an online conference on the BelTA website by the Chairman of the Polotsk City Executive Committee, Alexander Poznyak. According to him, negotiations have been held and an agreement has been reached with investors on the construction of certain facilities in the area of the Spaso-Yefrosinievsky Monastery. Work has begun on clearing the bed of the Polota River. "The Concept for the development of infrastructure in the historical districts of Polotsk, based on established traditions and in accordance with their functional historical purpose, envisages the development of three main areas of tourism: the Spaso-Yefrosinievsky Monastery with its adjacent territory – for pilgrimage tourism; the culture and recreation park on the left bank of the Western Dvina River – for entertainment tourism; the Upper Castle district and St. Sophia Cathedral – for historical tourism," said Alexander Poznyak. In particular, in the area of the Spaso-Yefrosinievsky Monastery, it is planned to equip the vacant territories adjacent to the monastery with tourist infrastructure facilities. On the territory of 30.2 hectares, it is planned to construct and reconstruct a hotel complex, shopping arcades with souvenirs, craft workshops, a trade and exhibition complex, a spiritual and educational center, and a tourist agency.

St. Sophia Cathedral is located within the Upper Castle complex. Essentially, it is the archaeological, administrative-spiritual, and secular centre of the city, covering an area of approximately 9 hectares. The ensemble development of the Upper Castle territory implies a comprehensive approach – the restoration of existing buildings and the reconstruction of lost ones, including archaeological research. The plan includes the placement of public catering facilities, retail outlets, service centres, tourist accommodation, and the museification of archaeological sites. "The concept envisages the creation of a pond system that existed at the monastery, as well as the clearing of the Polota Riverbed," noted the Mayor. "This will allow for the organisation of water tourist routes connecting two unique historical sites: the Spaso-Yefrosinievsky Monastery and St. Sophia Cathedral."

Alexander Poznyak is confident that the implementation of this concept will allow Polotsk to become the largest tourist center, a kind of calling card of Belarus. Financing for the implementation of the concept, which amounts to over Br2 trillion at current prices, will be primarily funded from extra-budgetary sources. The main work is planned to be completed by the end of 2015. The concept for the development of infrastructure in the historical districts of Polotsk has been approved by the President of Belarus. -0-

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