With the project designed to transform Cerciz square into a pedestrian space complete, and with the due procedures concluded and wining company selected, construction of an underground three-storey parking lot is underway in a bid to ultimately address one of the city’s sharpest problems. “Visitors are frequently coming to the city of Gjirokaster despite this tough period of the pandemic outbreak. However, the lack of a parking lot has been a long-time problem the city has been facing, as all cars gather at the main square,” Gjirokaster Mator Flamur Golemi said as he accompanied Prime Minister Edi Rama during an inspection of the construction site of the new underground parking space. The project – Golemi went on explaining – will expand to the main square to turn it into a pedestrian area and link it with the Gjirokaster castle.
Lawmaker Bledi Çuçi noted that through this project, the city’s historic centre will assume the importance it deserves, as it has been “occupied” by cars until now.” “The new parking lot with a capacity of 300 cars will offer relief to the area and business operators especially in the Bazaar are,” Çuçi said highlighting the impact of the project.
“For everyone who see these projects being launched and ask ‘why exactly now’, I would like to say that a public work project doesn’t start when the excavators show up at the site, but the project begins with its design, funding provision, the tender procedures and the signing of contract. This is a project we have launched together with the Mayor, and the Albanian Development Fund two years ago. It is something I was obsessed about many years ago, when I used to visit and see the centre of Gjirokaster serving as a parking lot. Cars should be banned from driving through this part which is a world heritage site,” he said.
Under this project, historical heart of the city of Gjirokaster, a UNESCO World Heritage site in southern Albania, will be reclaimed and transformed into a car-free and pedestrian area, which will include a parking space for the vehicles, ensuring not only free movement through entire historic part of the city of stone, proving also breath to businesses. “More than 106 new businesses have been registered during this urban renaissance period only. This is another lesson taught to those who describe it a façade change project, but the urban renaissance is not a façade upgrade project, but an economic project,” PM Rama said emphasizing the importance and impact of the Urban Renaissance projects.
This is supported by the city’s data, which, just few years ago, was home to two hotels only. “The accommodating facilities in the historical area have a capacity of more than 700 beds now and the underground parking lot and the project to transform the square into a pedestrian space will help business significantly,” Mayor Golemi said.
Once the transformation of the main square into a pedestrian area completes, work will continue to turn entire space around it into an integrated and green public space for the benefit of citizens and visitors.
