Identification, Assessment and Prioritisation of Potential Park-and-Ride Sites in Sofia
Service Group:
Services:
Development Objective
The objective is to create an objective and applicable tool to support Sofia Municipality in the selection, prioritisation and phased implementation of new public parking facilities, while also taking into account their impact on mobility, public space and the urban environment.
The study considers parking not only as an infrastructure issue, but as part of the broader system of urban mobility and public-space management. It aims to:
- identify potential municipal sites for the development of public parking facilities;
- create a unified set of criteria for comparing and assessing different sites;
- prioritise sites according to their spatial, technical, transport and urban suitability;
- link the development of parking facilities with opportunities to improve the public environment and sustainable mobility;
- establish a clear sequence of administrative and planning actions for the implementation of priority sites.
Team:
Approach
1. Analysis of the Existing Situation and Strategic Framework
We examine the main parking challenges in Sofia, the existing parking infrastructure and publicly proposed sites. We compare them with the objectives and measures set out in Sofia Municipality’s strategic documents on mobility, climate, integrated development and the quality of the urban environment.
2. Identification of Potential Sites
Through cadastral and spatial analysis, we identify a broad range of potential sites within Sofia’s urban boundaries. We assess ownership, area and shape, planning regulations, existing use, infrastructure, transport accessibility and proximity to public transport and urban destinations.
3. Development of an Assessment Methodology
We create a comprehensive system of over thirty criteria: spatial, quantitative and expert-based. These allow all 8 sites to be assessed using comparable indicators and compared according to their actual suitability for development. The assessment takes into account factors such as available area, planning regime, the need to amend the Detailed Development Plan, technical infrastructure, accessibility, tree vegetation, actual use, proximity to public transport and opportunities for combining parking with other public functions.
4. Prioritisation of Sites
We compare the quantitative results with expert assessment and the specific characteristics of each site. The sites are grouped into high-, medium- and low-priority categories and linked to different implementation time horizons.
5. Development of an Action Plan
For the 36 highly prioritised sites, we develop an operational framework for subsequent actions – spatial studies, indicative capacity, possible access solutions, potential for combining functions, public-private partnerships and the necessary administrative steps.
6. Integration of Parking into the Public Environment
For each type of site, we explore opportunities for parking infrastructure to serve as a tool for improving the surrounding urban environment. We develop guidelines for green spaces for sports, play, recreation and public functions, as well as for the application of nature-based solutions, permeable surfaces, green roofs, landscaping and shading.
7. Preparation for Subsequent Design
For some of the priority sites, we prepare the necessary studies and documentation for issuing a design brief, including combined sketches, geodetic surveys and expert assessments of tree vegetation.
Result
The result is a comprehensive tool for planning and the phased implementation of public parking facilities in Sofia, translating the municipality’s strategic objectives into concrete and comparable investment opportunities.
The study includes:
- a methodology for identifying, assessing and prioritising potential sites;
- an assessment of 274 sites within Sofia’s urban boundaries;
- a matrix and spatial representation of the results by administrative district;
- an Action Plan for 36 priority sites;
- guidelines for combining parking infrastructure with public functions, landscaping and sustainable solutions;
- documentation to improve the design readiness of selected priority sites;
- minimum requirements for the design and construction of multi-storey parking facilities.
The developed approach enables Sofia Municipality to move from individual parking proposals towards a systematic, transparent and evidence-based implementation programme, in which investment in parking is linked to improving mobility and enhancing the quality of public space.