Rostov left bank: sports instead of skyscrapers

At the next meeting of the Urban Planning Council of the Rostov region, chaired by Governor Yuri Slyusar, priority projects for the development of the left-bank zone of the Don capital were considered. Final decisions have already been made on a number of initiatives, and the most ambitious ideas have been approved in principle. **Sports cluster near the rowing canal: 22 hectares without the right to high-rise buildings** The first issue on the agenda was the future of the territory in the area of the rowing canal. It was decided to give the 22-hectare site for a sports and recreation park. The Council unanimously supported the creation of an integrated cluster here, which will combine professional sports grounds, mass sports and recreation areas and comfortable spaces for family leisure. Governor Yuri Slyusar emphasized his principled position on the appearance of the future development: > *"It is logical to continue the sports cluster here. But it should be exclusively low-rise construction. We must not allow architectural dominants to block the view of the rest of the territory. No residential high—rises - this is a place for sports only. It is in this capacity that we will develop this zone," the head of the region said. **Convention and Exhibition Center on Vostochny Highway: a project funded by an investor** The second landmark project is the concept of building a modern convention and exhibition center in the Vostochny Highway area. The Council approved the idea, but with an important condition: the investor will have to finalize the decisions regarding the development of the parking space. The key advantage of the project is that it will not require budgetary funds; the implementation will fall entirely on the shoulders of a private investor. **Environmental safety: monitoring of groundwater in the Don floodplain** Special attention was paid to the issues of engineering preparation of the territory. The council members discussed the need for detailed engineering and survey work in the floodplain of the Don. The main goal is to objectively assess the state of the natural and ecological framework of the area. It has been decided that a network of special wells will be deployed here in the near future. This will make it possible to organize continuous monitoring of the groundwater level and, on a scientific basis, take into account the risks of flooding during any further construction on the left bank. ** What is the result? The three main principles of the city's development** The last meeting once again confirmed that the Rostov region remains faithful to three key guidelines of urban development policy: 1. **Openness.** All significant projects are submitted for public discussion with the participation of professional architects and the expert community. 2. **Aesthetics and ecology.** Any new building must not only be functional, but also fit seamlessly into the existing architectural and natural landscape. 3. **Benefits for people.* The criterion for the success of the project is simple: it should not disfigure the city, but rather decorate it, making the life of Rostov residents more comfortable and interesting.