For Timisoara to become a city of the future, it is essential to reconnect the municipality with its own traditions of innovation, promote it intensively as a destination for investment and creativity, and take on pilot projects within the local administration, Mayor Dominic Fritz said on Thursday, opening the 13th edition of the "Cities of Tomorrow" conference, held in Timisoara on 23-24 October.
This year's theme - "Livable Cities, People, Skills and Innovation" - dedicated to the sustainable development of Romania's cities and regions, has strengthened its position as a leading event for business, urban development, architecture, and public administration.
Mayor Fritz underlined that the local administration is the most digitalised in Romania, enabling better decision-making and faster responses to citizens' needs. A flagship project is the redevelopment of Traian Square, financed through EU funds and a loan from the EBRD, which will transform the six-hectare area, increasing green spaces and its appeal to residents and investors alike. Among the major ongoing investments, he mentioned those in mobility, the Solventul hub, and other large projects aimed at improving the city's connectivity, especially in the western districts, with over EUR 350 million attracted in EU-funded projects in the past five years.
An important agreement is due to be signed today between the mayor and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) for a EUR 30 million loan to support the urban regeneration of Traian Square.
"I believe Timisoara needs to promote itself better; more people should know about Timisoara as a place where you can invest, innovate and live well. That is why we are investing heavily in projects with major national and international visibility. Finally, I think it's important - and we are working on this at City Hall - to have the courage to test different pilot projects. For example, in various neighbourhoods we'll be trying new approaches to traffic, or how children get to school, and so on. We need to innovate more, experiment more - not just as an administration, but as part of a civic and economic ecosystem here in Timisoara - and I believe we're on a very good path," Mayor Fritz told the press.
He explained that the digitalisation of the administration is already delivering benefits for citizens, which will become even more visible as the database expands.
For the revitalisation of Traian Square, Fritz said that almost half of the funding comes from EU sources, with a financing agreement already signed, while the other half will be covered by the loan from the EBRD.
"The agreement with the EBRD will be signed today, having already been approved by the City Council. The funds will be used not only for Traian Square itself but also for six hectares of adjacent streets. We're creating several small squares, planting hundreds of trees, and expanding the green areas significantly. It will be a very beautiful area, both for residents and visitors. The historic centre - the Cetate district - has already reached a limit in terms of tourism, so we need to develop the Iosefin and Traian areas as well. This major investment will certainly attract other local businesses. There is already a small business community in Traian Square, and we expect private owners to start renovating their buildings. Whenever there's a major public investment, it creates a ripple effect - the area's value and attractiveness rise, which in turn draws private investment, purchases, renovations, and rentals," the mayor explained.
Organised by AHK Romania, the Timisoara event serves as a catalyst for bold ideas and partnerships that can shape the future of Romanian cities. It provides a platform for the exchange of ideas and knowledge between the public and private sectors, bringing together public authorities, the business community, and civil society, alongside leaders from administration, business, and urban development.
Comentează