Nakhchivan: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva examined the 'Master Plan for the Development of Nakhchivan City until 2044'. Anar Guliyev, Chairman of the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture, provided insights into the objectives and projects included in the new Master Plan.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the Master Plan was crafted by the 'Azermemarlayiha' Senior State Design Institute in collaboration with Chapman Taylor, an international consulting firm. This initiative was commissioned by the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture under the 'State Program for the Socio-Economic Development of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic for 2023-2027.'

The Master Plan, a first for Nakhchivan city since Azerbaijan's independence, outlines a strategic vision for its spatial development. It emphasizes rejuvenating the city center, expanding recreational areas, promoting sustainable mobility, enhancing residential and social infrastructure, and boosting the city's tourism appeal.

A significant focus of the plan is the transformation of the city's central district. Covering 74 hectares, a detailed plan includes a new architectural concept for a 12.5-hectare area, aiming to create a vibrant, compact, and accessible city center. The plan proposes renovating or replacing outdated non-historical buildings with modern structures, establishing a new administrative complex, and enhancing the central square with landscaping and architectural elements.

The Master Plan also aims to integrate ecological infrastructure into urban life by expanding green spaces and creating new parks along the Nakhchivanchay River. This will increase green space per capita from 15 to 27 square meters.

Urban mobility will be enhanced with sustainable transport solutions, featuring a 188.4-kilometer street and road network and 122 kilometers of bicycle infrastructure, adapting over 65 percent of streets for cycling.

The plan highlights Nakhchivan's historical and cultural heritage as well as its geographic advantages to boost tourism. Expanding the service sector and improving urban environments are expected to enhance tourism competitiveness.

Nakhchivan's development considers its growth potential, with residential areas projected to increase from 1,831 to 2,630 hectares. This expansion, approximately 44 percent, is expected to raise the population from 97,200 to 130,000 residents. Housing stock will grow to 3.9 million square meters, providing 30 square meters of living space per person.

To support urban growth, the social infrastructure will also expand. Education capacity will reach 23,400, preschool institutions 7,800, and hospital beds 650. Employment is anticipated to rise by nearly 40 percent, reaching 78,000, driven by growth in various sectors including services, transport, and tourism.

Overall, the Master Plan sets a strategic foundation for Nakhchivan city to evolve into a dynamic regional hub by 2044, balancing its historical heritage with modern urban planning for sustainable and inclusive development.