Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia, is undergoing a transformation with the development of a new district called Nové Lido on the right bank of the Danube River. This project, which has been in the works for decades, aims to revitalize the area between the Old Bridge and the Apollo Bridge in Petržalka. Nové Lido aspires to become an ecological and community standard not only in Slovakia but also in Central Europe. The district is also seeking certification in the BREEAM Communities International system, committing to sustainable development in the urban area.
Nové Lido is envisioned as a carbon-neutral neighborhood that will offer a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, providing 20,000 job opportunities. The goal is to create a place where residents have everything they need within reach. Pavel Pelikán, the executive director of the project developer JTRE, describes the layout of Nové Lido, stating that the residential areas will be oriented towards the riverfront and the center of the district, while civic amenities will be integrated throughout the area. Work opportunities and administrative functions will be concentrated along Einsteinova Street.
The design of the new urban district is the result of collaboration between JTRE and experts from Slovakia and abroad, including architects, urban planners, landscape architects, and consultants in various fields. The urban planning study was led by Juraj Benetin and his team from Compass Architekti, with contributions from architects and urban planners such as Jakub Cigler, Marko & Placemakers, Gehl Architects, and GFI.
One of the key aspects of the project is the creation of a new city center on both banks of the Danube. This new downtown area in Nové Lido will connect Petržalka with the Old Town and Ružinov, bridging the gap between the two sides of the river. The district is also designed with long-term development plans for Bratislava in mind, focusing on diverse functions, compact block development, a central park, and a promenade bridge across the Danube.
The central square of Nové Lido, modeled after M. R. Štefánik Square with the Slovak National Theater, will serve as the heart of the district. The two parts of Bratislava will be linked by a promenade bridge, creating a seamless connection between the riverfront, central park, and city boulevard. The project prioritizes public transportation, pedestrian walkways, and cycling paths, with an emphasis on reducing car traffic and promoting sustainable modes of transport.
In terms of sustainability, Nové Lido aims to significantly reduce or eliminate operational emissions to achieve carbon neutrality and create a high-quality and healthy environment for residents. The project will focus on utilizing renewable energy sources such as geothermal, water, and solar energy, as well as innovative technologies to enhance living and working comfort. Construction will be carried out in phases over a period of 10 to 15 years, with a strong emphasis on shading, material selection, and rainwater harvesting.
JTRE is also seeking the prestigious BREEAM Communities certification for Nové Lido, which aligns with the strategic vision of Bratislava 2030 developed by the Metropolitan Institute of Bratislava. This certification evaluates the overall impact of the project on the environment and community, focusing on ecological criteria, biodiversity, and other factors. Only six projects in Central and Eastern Europe have received this prestigious certification so far.
As Nové Lido progresses through the environmental impact assessment process and updates to the zoning plan, the project is poised to become a model for sustainable urban development in Bratislava. With a commitment to carbon neutrality, innovative design, and community well-being, Nové Lido is set to redefine the urban landscape of the Slovak capital.