Shkodër is undergoing a significant urban transformation with a variety of new projects currently being implemented in the city’s main neighborhoods, which are known for their rich historical and architectural value. One of the key areas being revitalized is the 300-year-old historic district of Zdrale. The revitalization program for Zdrale was launched by the Municipality of Shkodër a year ago.

For decades, Zdrale suffered from unregulated construction and lack of infrastructure, but it is now being gradually revitalized, aiming to restore the area’s historic charm and the vibrant commercial activity it has long been known for.

Today, Prime Minister Edi Rama visited Shkodër, where, together with Mayor Benet Beci, he began inspecting the new construction sites, starting with the Zdrale neighborhood. As Mayor Beci explained, the entire public space surrounding the area is being integrated into the larger Zdrale revitalization project.

“After completing 70 facades on the main axis, we are now working on 30 more. Essentially, we are upgrading the entire axis from the entrance of Shkodër to the exit at Rus. We’ve also included the University area in the project and are collaborating closely with them on infrastructure improvements. The entire axis is being renovated with new facades, murals, lighting, and landscaping. Currently, we are working on the sidewalks. All of this is part of our larger project to enhance the area, with the entire public space being integrated into the Zdrale project,” explained Mayor Benet Beci regarding the ongoing work around Zdrale.

The revitalization project for Zdrale represents a €2.5 million investment, with the construction of underground infrastructure already completed.

“We are at the start of the project, the first phase of Zdrale. This is a €2.5 million investment. We’ve begun with ground infrastructure, facades, and details, all part of a plan we developed earlier. We are standardizing the doors, windows, balconies, facades, and shop fronts. Our next challenge is managing the cables—now that the underground infrastructure is complete, we will move the cables underground to remove the exposed wires. The area will be fully pedestrianized, and everything will be integrated, including the shop entrances. We expect to finish by June.

The progress has been swift, particularly with the underground work, which was crucial due to the poor state of the previous infrastructure. All of the underground systems, including sewage which have been upgraded,” Mayor Beci explained.