1873 KUVENDI KOMUNAL - FERIZAJ SKUPŠTINA OPŠTINE - UROŠEVAC MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY - FERIZAJ Urban Charter of Ferizaj/Uroševac City Centre 1 st of November 2007 Formulated by the Municipality of Ferizaj/Uroševac In collaboration with United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) Kosovo Railways Ministry of Transport and Post-Telecommunication Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning Private Transport Association Ferizaji 1
Introduction The city of Ferizaj/Uroševac is located about 40 km south of the capital city of Kosovo- UNMIK, Pristina. One of the main characteristics of the city is its location; the city is strategically placed along a significant corridor from Pristina to Skopje and the city s railway station is within the city centre making it very accessible. The city s railway station has greatly influenced the city as depicted on the municipal logo. However currently citizens seem not to appreciate the advantages of the railway and consider the railway as an unacceptable obstacle that is extremely noisy and causes serious accidents. Practically, the railway station within the city centre provides the opportunity of linking the city directly to the national/international rail network conveniently and providing a fast and safe public transport system that is well connected to the main cities, bringing a number of business opportunities. Today in Ferizaj/Uroševac Municipality, there is an urgent need for stimulating economic development and attracting investors/businesses, commercial and industrial activities generating opportunities for employment and above all re-exploiting the railway as a catalyst for economic growth. Additionally, there is a bus terminal near the railway station and it is functioning well as a national/international hub for passengers but sadly it is not well connected to the railway station. The Municipality and UN-HABITAT has initiated a taskforce group for public transport to discuss these issues with the cooperation the Ministry of Transport and Post-Telecommunication, Kosovo Railways, Regional Kosovo Police and Private Transport Association Ferizaji. During the discussions within the taskforce group, the concept of a Mobility Centre Project to integrate the railway station and inter-city/international bus terminal was raised and discussed with a view to creating a main transport hub. This project could also be linked with a regeneration of the city centre providing businesses with attractive premises. This idea was also put forward by citizens during the visioning exercise, which is a key step in the process of drafting a Municipal and Urban Development Plan (MDP/UDP) that shows an interest in improving the railway and the city centre. In addition, the business community is also interested in investing in the Mobility Centre Project in conjunction with the public sector (Public Private Partnership). However, the private sector has expressed some concerns. Currently, the concept for the Mobility Centre Project has been endorsed by the Mayor and the Municipal Assembly. Ferizaj/Uroševac Municipality has decided to promote the improvement of the city centre and an Urban Charter for Ferizaj/Uroševac City Centre is being drafted to obtain a broad understanding of the important steps for change i.e. economic, social and environmental issues in a sustainable manner. For this to become reality, it requires the set up of tangible principles for specific factors which constitute the future structure of the city e.g. roads, traffic, the mobility centre, land use, public space and greenery. The Urban Charter for Ferizaj/Uroševac City Centre should be drafted in collaboration with UN-HABITAT, Kosovo Railways, Ministry of Transport and Post-Telecommunication, Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning and Private Transport Association Ferizaji as main stakeholders for the implementation of its projects. The city centre area and core area of Mobility Centre Project are defined in this document. 2
Mandate This document and project implementation should be mindful of the existing plans or agreements as follows, Law on Spatial Planning Kosovo Spatial Plan Municipal Development Plan Urban Development Plan Decision of progressing Mobility Centre Project endorsed by Municipal Assembly Visioning Declaration of Ferzaj/Uroševac which has been drafted representatives of citizens Fundamental Principles 1. Road and Traffic 1-1. Main streets Upgrading/improving of road conditions is inevitable for the city centre, particularly three streets located along the railway ( Ahmet Kaqiku street, Dëshmorët e Kombit street and 13 Qershori street) parallel to the railway. These three parallel streets have to be kept in good condition i.e. the pavement, sewage, side walks and greenery. Dëshmorët e Kombit street is the main street through the city centre and heavy goods trucks are banned from using the street and a major part of the street allows only one-way traffic. Thus, the other two streets currently function as main streets for through traffic within the city centre. However it is important to note here that a series of discussions have taken place on the possibility for the construction of a by pass or ring road in the future which should reduce through traffic within the city centre. However, particularly 13 Qershori street is in an extremely poor condition, hence the need to significantly undertake major improvements to control private vehicles. Currently it is not possible to widen the street because of the position of buildings on both sides of the street. 1-2. Grade Crossings There are two railway crossings within the city centre which usually cause traffic congestion at the peak hours for commuters. The growing population on the one hand and the increasing economic activities in the city on the other has generated more traffic within the centre. Hence, there is a need to explore effective and sustainable modes of transport and also further develop the principles/concepts of transport planning throughout the city of Ferizaj/Uroševac. The Taskforce group of public transport has concluded that there is a need for grade separation at the railway crossing. The concept of grade separation should be modest, feasible and efficient in terms of implementation. It should be considered not only for the total cost but also the environmental impact. 1-3. Pedestrian Friendly A city centre should be a pedestrian friendly place that encourages shopping, strolling and other leisure activities associated with the city centre. However, the high level of traffic in the centre by private vehicles has created an unpleasant atmosphere for pedestrians and shoppers etc. Therefore city centre, particularly the main street, needs to be considered for pedestrianisation. To achieve this, the side walks need to be improved and made friendlier for pedestrians, particularly elderly and disabled people. 3
It is also crucial to connect the network of walkways with safe connections with other parts of the city separated from the railway. 1-4. Traffic Control In Dëshmorët e Kombit street, the amount of private vehicles has to be reduced in order to create more attractive city centre. Generally, private vehicles should not be allowed to enter the centre except for essential purposes e.g. delivery vehicles. Generally, public transport such as local and inter-city/international buses or taxi can be allowed to enter the centre. Another option of traffic control that could be explored is restricting the time private vehicles can enter the city centre zone with complete restrictions in the daytime. 1-5. Traffic safety According to the statistical data of traffic accidents, a considerable amount of accidents occur within the city centre. There is a need for adequate guidelines of traffic control. With regards to the railway, the safety fence has been removed by citizens to enable them to cross to the other side of the city, which has lead to serious accidents involving pedestrians and the train. In the short terms, it is an urgently required improvement to enable pedestrians to conveniently cross the railway, thereby reducing accidents with trains in the city. At the same time, adequate education for traffic safety is also required. 1-6. Public Parking Space There is a problem of roadside parking along the main street which affects the environment of the city centre. To reduce parking space in the main street, public parking places should be organized and located at the fringe of the centre. Users of the city centre should park their private vehicles outside of the centre. 2. Mobility Centre 2-1. Railway station The railway station is a great asset to the city and directly connects two capital cities, although there are not enough passenger trains in operation. If the service (passengers and freight movement) is upgraded, it will significantly contribute to the economy of Kosovo as a whole. Ferizaj/Uroševac station will meet intensive needs of public transport in the future and improve its facilities. The function of goods transport terminal may be separated from the city centre to the urban fringe along the existing railway track. On the other hand, the railway itself has to improve its convenience for passengers to compete with private transport, particularly providing connection with other public transport modes e.g. urban buses, inter-external buses and taxi. The railway station could also function as a bridge between two parts of the city that are divided by the railway. It is also important to attract people by providing new open spaces, a complex of retail shops and business floor spaces within the railway facility, which brings opportunities to vitalize the city centre. The Mobility Centre is a concept to integrate these to create attractiveness in the city by utilising above all the railway plot. Therefore the core area of the Mobility Centre is mainly the site of Kosovo Railways and the adjacent area excluding large buildings which are difficult to expropriate. 4
2-2. Bus terminal Currently the inter-city bus network is the most convenient means of public transport in Kosovo-UNMIK. There is a large number of bus services to the major cities in Kosovo and other countries such as FYR Macedonia, Albania and Montenegro. The existing bus terminal is located slightly away from the city centre and there is no adequate connection to the station. The bus terminal creates a viable opportunity for economic activities to take place. Relocating the existing bus terminal in line with the concept of a Mobility Centre is one of the options and critical to revitalising the city centre. The other option is keeping the bus terminal in its current location as a logistic base and creating a good connection between the terminal and the Mobility Centre. 2-3. Taxi station The existing taxi station is located close to the bus terminal and the site is owned by the Municipality. The existing location is critical for the creation of a grade separation between the local road and the railway. The mobility centre may provide some modest taxi parking and a requirement is to create another taxi pool outside of the city centre. 2-4. Creation of open space Regarding to the establishment of a Mobility Centre, land use above the railway tracks is considered to generate precious spaces within city centre. It can be used to establish a new elevated open space. 2-5. Establishment of business and commercial space Regarding the establishment of a Mobility Centre, land use above of railway tracks is also considered to generate valuable private investment creating commercial and business floor spaces which would add value to the Mobility Centre itself. 3. Land Use 3-1 Height and Bulk of Buildings The height and bulk of new buildings should be harmonised with adjacent buildings. It should not give a sense of oppression to neighbours i.e. detriment to their visual amenity. The height of new buildings should be less than 20 meters in order to create a balance environment with regards to the height of the surrounding buildings. 3-2 Use of Building Concerning the use, particularly of buildings along the main street, priority should be given to commercial or business use, particularly on the ground floor. Mixed development i.e. commercial/business space and different types of housing can create diversity and an attractive environment. Industrial activities such as major factories or workshops, which cause serious noise or contamination, should be avoided within the city centre. 3-3 Contribution to the city The new development has to contribute to the improvement of the urban environment for the citizens, for instance adequate set back from the street, wide enough sidewalks, appropriate urban furniture and effective urban amenities. Making the semi-public spaces better is the responsibility of the owner of land or buildings within the city centre. 5
3-4 Building Design and Townscape Building design should be harmonised with adjacent buildings and contribute to a better sense of townscape. New construction should not be use strong colors or objectless design. 4. Public Space 4-1 Existing Open Space Existing open spaces such as the square in front of the station, the small park by the library and religious sites are precious for the city centre. These open spaces have to be maintained and protected but also connected/linked with the surrounding streets. 4-2 Public facility Public facilities such as the library, the museum, the culture centre, the major hospital and the Municipality should be easily accessible by all citizens. Their accessibility and convenience have to be improved in cooperation with the neighbouring development. 4-3 Religions places There is a Mosque and an Orthodox Church at the same place. This religious site offers a sense of identity and character to the centre. The site has to be maintained open for citizens. 5. Greenery 5-1 Roadside green Improvement of the road has to be promoted; roadside green and its species should be considered part of the local character. Particularly the main street contributes to the creation a better greener environment, hence the need for better maintenance of the street. 5-2 Greenery for open space There is a shortage of greenery in the centre due to the density of buildings, bearing in mind that the green elements are essential to provide a better environment. 5-3 Greenery in private site The new development has to contribute to improving the greenery of the city. Particularly in the place adjacent to the sidewalks of the road there should be planted trees within private sites, which contribute to the townscape of the context. Commitment package We recommend that the Municipal Assembly accepts the following commitment package, to be executed in collaboration with all the stakeholders. 1. Public involvement The Municipality has to involve citizens before the implementation of concrete projects. The Informal Council of Civil Society Organization represents the citizens and they will have the responsibility of raising the views/issues on behalf of citizens. The Municipality should organize public debates in collaboration with the Informal Council of CSO during the process. 6
2. Public Private Partnership Public Private Partnership is crucial for the project implementation to create a better economic and environmental climate for the city. The Municipality will initiate a protocol and terms of engagement for co-funding between public sector and private investors. 3. Implementation 3-1 Street improvement The upgrading of the three main streets named Ahmet Kaqiku, Dëshmorët e Kombit and 13 Qershori has to be improved by the Municipality and undertaken by the Department of Reconstruction Development and Planning. Particularly 13 Qershori street has to be improved immediately as it is a thoroughfare of the centre. 3-2 Public parking The Establishment of public parking should be lead by the Municipality and the Department of Reconstruction Development and Planning should undertake its implementation. The maintenance of public parking can be delegated to the private sector. The capacity of the parking should consider at least the amount of the existing roadside parking, which will be relocated at a new parking on the fringe of the city centre. 3-3 Mobility centre The Mobility Centre Project will be developed by means of a Spatial design competition, which broadly adopts the idea of a smart but sustainable regeneration of the city centre. All key stakeholders are involved in the process e.g. Ministry of Transport and Post- Telecommunication, Kosovo Railways, Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning, representatives of citizens, the transport association and the business community. Essentially, the land for the Mobility Centre facilities is offered by Kosovo Railways with concession. The building and facility will be owned by organizations those who invest in construction. All these stakeholders organize management organization to maintain Mobility Centre. 3-4 Grade Crossings Grade Separation should be implemented by the Municipality in cooperation with Kosovo Railways and Ministry of Transport and Post-Telecommunications. Particularly the way of implementation should be discussed considering daily operation of trains. 4 Traffic control and safety The restriction of private vehicles within the centre should be approved by Kosovo Regional Police and the Municipality. The Municipal transport section is responsible for promoting traffic safety. 5. Mobility Management The timetables of the railway, the urban bus transport and the inter-external bus transport are strongly dependent on each other for good services. Urban bus transport should be coordinated and regulated by the Municipality and the Transport Association Ferizaji while the inter-city/international bus transport is coordinated and regulated by Ministry of Transport and Post-Telecommunication. 7
6. Detailed Planning (Urban Regulatory Plan) In the city centre, there should be drafted a detailed plan which reflects the concept of regeneration including the Mobility Centre Project. The Municipality has the responsibility of drafting the plan as for the involvement of the public. 7. Institutional set-up 7-1 Spatial Planning Unit The Municipality has to establish a Spatial Planning Unit which would function as a special advisory board to the CEO. It will be primarily concerned with spatial planning and not development control and should consist of the head of spatial planning and of four spatial planners. 7-2 Transport Planning Unit The Municipality has to establish a Transport Planning Unit within the Department of Transport. This unit should consist of the head of transport planning and of two transport planners. 7-3 Selection Committee of Spatial Design Competition The Municipality will leads the establishment of the Selection Committee for Spatial Design Competition, which will steer the Spatial Design Competition for the Mobility Centre Project. The members of Committee have to include main stakeholders to ensure inclusiveness, fairness and create favorable conditions to progress, within a Public Private Partnership. 7-4 Development Cooperation For further steps, the Municipality will lead the establishment of a Development Cooperation which will materialise Mobility Centre Project. It will be constituted of Kosovo Railways, Ferizaj/Uroševac Municipality and private investors. 8