TIRANA- The city of Saranda (whose name is thought to come from the Monastery of 40 Saints- Santi Quaranti) is in process of revitalization.

The project foresees to transform the boulevard "Naim Frashëri" -the key point of the city into a multifunctional space. The project aims to preserve the city’s identity, as well as its historical and cultural footprints.

During summer Saranda promenade will be one of the most visited promenade in Albania.

Overcrowding during the summer has brought out the necessity of a modern public infrastructure to meet the growing demand for more services and spaces for residents and tourists.

The high number of tourists has caused many problems in the promenade such as: insufficient space for pedestrians during the summer, insufficient space to park, etc.

Those who have visited Saranda during the tourist season know that cars occupy a large part of the boulevard and parking is a big problem.

The beaches don’t have parking spaces and in some cases access to the beach is difficult. The existing promenade is a space with scattered elements that visually create a chaotic image. 

Temporary structures and advertising are considered obstacles to the continuity of the boulevard.

The chaotic organization and the neglected infrastructure have overshadowed the archaeological structures and the development of the cultural tourism.

    In the framework of the program “Integrated Urban and Tourism Development ” funded by the World Bank and Albanian government, the Albanian Development Fund will implement the intervention for urban regeneration of “Naim Frasheri” promenade in Saranda. For this project have been organized public consultations with stakeholders from the feasibility study stage till the final project. The latter has reflected and harmonized all the needs and suggestions of the community.

The project aims to integrate in the existing urban infrastructure elements that improve the urban landscape, facilitate the movement of people and create spaces dedicated to various activities.

A special attention is given to the creation of a clear and attractive urban identity throughout the promenade. There will be a greater expansion of public and pedestrian spaces. Some functions and activities are proposed to be added along the promenade to make it more dynamic.

In the western area of the promenade are proposed sport and recreation areas, such as the case of the public swimming pool which has all the potential to become a center of water sports activities. Furthermore the former flour factory will be transformed into a movie theater and a cultural center.

For bike lovers it is foreseen the construction of a bike lane along the “Jonianet” road and a common space inside the promenade.

There will be tourist info points in the beginning and end of the promenade.

The existing souvenir shops near the sea will be repositioned. Meanwhile, have been proposed many public spaces and different functions such as:

Public pools in the western part and a panoramic point in the eastern part, public showers, additional functions in the central part (Babylon Garden Park), staircases in water in the western part, etc.

 

One of the main issues raised by the community in public project consultations has been to preserve the city's identity. For this reason, special attention has been paid to these elements.

The project identifies several important areas such as: the segment from the beginning of the “Hasan Tahsini” promenade, “Porta e Hyrjes se Onhezimit”, the area around “Hotel Republika” where are the Roman ruins and the area around the staircases where are the walls of the Onhezim Castle.

This project is funded by the Albanian Government and the World Bank. It aims to revitalize with the most up-to-date standards and modern infrastructure the "South Port".