Braving unprecedented difficulties caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting lockdowns, Lithuania’s second largest city saw 2020 off with a long list of ongoing developments. Kaunas Mayor Visvaldas Matijošaitis is convinced that the gained momentum must not abate even in these challenging times.
Staying healthy to make city changes possible
“2020 was full of challenges. However, this did not suspend the works already underway or the start of new projects. We cannot afford to slow down the pace of the city today – too much effort has been put into achieving such momentum. It covers many areas – from big projects, sustainable city mobility and childcare to street art. The pandemic will end and our life will get back on track. But for this to happen as soon as possible, we must observe the restrictions and stay healthy in order to avoid even more painful consequences,” the mayor told the city website.
He praised the medics for their titanic work, acknowledged other frontline workers for their efforts and thanked Kaunas residents for behaving responsibly. Matijošaitis, who usually avoids forecasting, believes that 2021 will be meaningful for Kaunas. First of all, it will provide a buffer for the preparation of an important event – Kaunas becoming a European Capital of Culture in 2022.
Besides, a good part of the undertaken construction works are planned to be completed this year. Among them are the new Kaunas Ice Palace, a kindergarten in Šilainiai district and a bridge to Nemunas Island leading to the future science museum and water sports centre.
Following the overhaul of the much-visited Unity Square, in 2021 a fundamental reconstruction is in store for Student Square on the other side of S. Donelaičio Street.
The Romuva cinema and sports hall will also open their doors after reconstruction. The new Bangpūtis rowing base at Lake Lampėdis will soon have a full-fledged infrastructure in place allowing high-ranking international competitions to be held there.
Lithuanian Silicon Valley
Infrastructure works at the Aleksotas Innovation Industrial Park (AIPP), located on an area of 30 hectares, are nearing completion. This includes the installation of new underground communications, streets, bike paths and lighting. The conversion of an old helicopter repair hangar into a research centre with laboratories will begin soon. AIPP is planned to create over 1 000 high-skilled jobs and attract EUR 90 million of investments.
Source: TheMayor.EU
