In Chișinău, the construction of a residential complex is planned on the site of the former “Mezon” factory, which was once a leader in the microelectronics industry of the USSR. The factory owners have approached the local authorities, requesting an analysis of the possibility of constructing a residential complex with commercial spaces on this territory. To change the functional purpose of the land from industrial to residential, the development of a zonal urban planning plan is necessary.
The total area of the zone where the mentioned streets are located is 22.23 hectares, and the “Mezon” plot occupies 12.6 hectares. Currently, this land is owned by SC “Mezon” (with a share of 79.7%) and Silver Wings PTE LTD (with a share of 20.3%).
The “Mezon” factory was built in 1969 and specialized in the production of microelectronic components and goods based on them. It was one of the largest microelectronics enterprises in the USSR and a leader in its field in the Balkans. However, after 1991, the factory ceased its main activities and failed to reprofile. In 2008, it was privatized.
Currently, the former factory site houses a functional complex, which includes production workshops, warehouses, commercial units, offices, a sports hall, and other facilities. The administrative building is leased, and some spaces are occupied by a supermarket and an electronics store. In this area, there is also a park managed by the “Association for Environmental Care,” as well as an abandoned polyclinic.
The city’s Department of Architecture has proposed the development of a zonal urban planning plan to change the functional purpose of the territory and construct a residential complex. The analysis of the situation has shown that the current activities on the factory site do not comply with the general plan and local urban planning regulations. Considering the development of the neighboring residential area, the authors of the document have concluded that the transformation of the industrial zone into a residential area is possible.
However, during the construction of residential buildings, it is necessary to provide for new educational institutions and a kindergarten in the neighboring streets. The capacity calculation of these institutions should be based on the city’s demographic structure and comply with the existing norms. It is also important to delineate the boundaries of the underground mine and consider the conditions of the underground part of the zone.
In the development of the zonal urban planning plan, it is necessary to take into account the results of the transportation situation study conducted by Vear Design company in this area. Additionally, further research on traffic and its prospects, taking into account the location of the new residential area, is required.
