Tintyava Garden – Preservation and Development of the Riverside Area along the Novachitsa River
Service Group:
Services:
Development Objective
The objective of the study is to create an evidence-based foundation for the preservation and development of the area along the Novachitsa River in the Dianabad neighbourhood as a public riverside green space of local significance.
The area functions as a natural green environment for recreation and has the potential to become an important part of Sofia’s broader green-blue system. At the same time, it is subject to development pressure, fragmented ownership and inconsistencies between its current condition and the existing planning framework.
The study aims to:
- trace the historical and spatial development of the area and its place within Sofia’s green system;
- establish the actual spatial condition, patterns of use and significance of the site for the local community;
- analyse ownership, planning regulations and development proposals, and identify the main risks to the preservation of the green space;
- create a basis for dialogue between citizens, institutions, property owners and other stakeholders on subsequent actions for the development of the area.
Team:
Approach
1. Historical and Spatial Research
We trace the development of the neighbourhood and the site through historical maps, urban development plans, cadastral and regulatory plans, and orthophoto maps. The analysis shows how the site and its relationship with Sofia’s green system have changed over time.
2. Spatial and Functional Analysis
We examine the site within the structure of the city and in the context of the surrounding residential, public, sports, educational and business functions. We analyse existing and potential pedestrian and cycling connections with Loven Park, Borisova Garden, Park Diana Dianabad and the planned Green Ring.
3. Fieldwork and Analysis of the Existing Condition
We document existing vegetation, the riverbed, access points, paths, places for recreation and the elements created through the use of the space. Field observations allow us to identify both the qualities of the site and issues related to safety, maintenance and inconsistencies between cadastral data and the actual situation.
4. Analysis of Ownership and Planning Proposals
We compare the property structure, types of ownership, zones under the Master Plan and current Detailed Development Plans. This allows us to identify conflicts between the existing public green environment and potential future development.
5. Identification of Risks and Opportunities
We assess the potential consequences of the loss or fragmentation of the green area – restrictions on public access, loss of vegetation and biodiversity, disruption of the natural landscape, and negative impacts on the microclimate and river environment.
6. Stakeholder Engagement and Framework for Subsequent Actions
We identify key stakeholders and create a basis for dialogue with the local community, district administration, professional organisations and potential partners. We formulate possible next steps for institutionalising the process, amending planning proposals and developing a subsequent action plan.
Result
The result is a comprehensive analytical and strategic foundation for the preservation and development of the area along the Novachitsa River as a public riverside green space – Tintyava Garden.
The study:
- documents the historical development and current condition of the area;
- clarifies the spatial, functional, property and planning characteristics of the site;
- identifies specific risks related to potential development and restrictions on public access;
- demonstrates the need for the area to be considered as a unified green space rather than as a collection of separate properties;
- formulates possible planning and institutional actions for its long-term preservation;
- creates a basis for a subsequent collaborative process involving the local community, public institutions and other stakeholders.
The initiative was launched by KOMPONENTA as a first step towards the long-term preservation of this part of the Novachitsa River and towards creating a more attractive environment for recreation, strengthening the connection with the local community and improving access to well-maintained green space.