What will the master plan, approved after 18 years of delay, give Baku?

In a significant move poised to shape the future urban landscape of Baku, Prime Minister Ali Asadov has officially endorsed the General Plan for the capital of Azerbaijan. The decision, signed on December 30, paves the way for a comprehensive development strategy that spans until the year 2040.

The meticulous preparation of the General Plan was entrusted to the internationally acclaimed firm "as+P Albert Speer + Partner Gmbh" from Germany, selected through a competitive international tender. The State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture oversaw the initiative, with contributions from esteemed entities such as the Baku State Design Institute, "Ramboll UK" from the United Kingdom, and "EY Advisory" from France.

This marks the fifth iteration of the General Plan for Baku since its inception in 1898, with the last one approved in 1986 by the Council of Ministers of the Azerbaijan SSR. Covering the period until 2005, the plan now in force faced challenges in accommodating the profound transformations that have shaped Baku over the ensuing years.

Notably, the city witnessed a surge in population due to historical events such as the influx of internally displaced people from Armenia, the collapse of the USSR, and the impact of the first Karabakh War. Real estate expert Elnur Farzaliyev underscores the urgency of updating the master plan, emphasizing the substantial changes in population dynamics and infrastructure demands.

Farzaliyev highlights the challenges of preparing Baku for future growth, emphasizing the need for meticulous consideration of existing structures and urban congestion. He contends that the delay in revising the master plan has resulted in the accumulation of outdated structures and inadequate urban infrastructure, necessitating significant demolitions and reconstructions.

While acknowledging the complexity of the task ahead, Farzaliyev notes that the lack of a master plan has contributed to issues such as congestion, and any new development blueprint must address these concerns. The real estate expert points out that despite media reports about the General Plan, no official documents have been made available to the public.

The ambitious scope of the 2040 vision for Baku demands a strategic approach, balancing the preservation of the city's historical identity with the imperative for modernization and sustainable urban development. As Baku aims to assert its position as a dynamic global city, the success of this General Plan will hinge on its ability to align with the evolving needs of the capital and its citizens.