3.2 Requalification of the Coastline Vlore-Radhime-Orikum (Lot 2)

The scope of this strategic project involves remodeling of a coastline segment on the Bay of Vlore that starts from the tunnel of Ujet e Ftohte (at the termination of the Lungomare) and expands southwards up to Orikum Marina, with a total length of about 11km. Due to its attractiveness, the area has a strategic importance for the development of tourism and promotion of Vlore region as touristic destination (Vlore Riviera).

The requalification has therefore a complex scope that encompasses masterplanning, landscape and urban design to address the following key aspects:

a) Rethinking the accessibility concept for cars, pedestrians and cyclists with aim to promote sustainable mobility and to ensure road safety.
b) Reconcepting the character of the existing coastal road as a recreational road whose primary aim is to ensure the appreciation of the landscape and sea views.
c) Repairing the damages of human interventions that compromise the quality of the coastal landscape and the beachfront.
d) Disciplining existing and future constructions and demarcating clear boundaries for private developments ensuring continuity in public space through the proposed design of the promenades.
e) Enhancing and expanding the experience of the coastal landscape for visitors for walking and swimming, namely through the creation of pathways and rocky swim spots.
f) Upgrading the image of the beaches and providing amenities for visitors and tourists, such as public stairs, ramps, sitting areas or showers.
g) Rationalizing utilities and energy infrastructure networks for servicing the beach zones
h) Last but not least consolidating through each and every proposed intervention the identity of the Riviera.

The design interventions have been structured in three different subareas (lots) which were carried out as separate assignments.

Following up from the successful completion of LOT 1 the Consortium TP&D with TPA Greece was awarded the continuation of the assignment for another 2.8km segment by the same Contracting Authority (ADF). The Study Area comprised two disconnected parts with different characteristics. The first part involved creating a connection with the Lungomare through a Sea Path created externally from the Tunnel of Uje e Ftohte and reconceiving the border of Vlore Government Residence as Public Gardens.

The second part followed up from the termination of LOT 1 with remodelling of a zone of hotels and services (Coralli, Helios, Bora-Bora and Vajana) that have created artificial beaches and continued with projecting a new design for the bay of Hotel Paradise with a coastal promenade and green rest areas. A bypass of 2km was projected to deal with the problem of traffic on the coastal road.

TPDN maintained the leading role in the project design with the same core team of experts and collaborating firms as in LOT 1 enriched with more experienced experts in the design of the bicycle route and marina works.