Niš to Transform Central Streets into Pedestrian and Creative Zones

Niš, Serbia's second-largest city, is set to transform its central streets, Balkanska and Davidova, into pedestrian zones and creative spaces. This transformation is part of the "Safe, Inclusive, and Innovative Public Spaces" project, aimed at revitalizing public areas and promoting green urban and rural mobility. The city administration, along with municipalities of Merošina, Svrljig, and Gadžin Han, and RRA Jug, will implement this project.

The project's total value for the City of Niš is €233,339.36. Through the enhancement of these streets, the city aims to return the urban center to its citizens with more pedestrian areas, new green spaces, and safer, more accessible, and humane public spaces. The project also preserves functionality for those who live and work in these areas.

— By improving Balkanska and Davidova streets, we are returning the city center to its citizens with more pedestrian areas, new green spaces, and safer, more accessible, and humane public spaces, while preserving functionality for all who live and work here. This is not just a reconstruction of streets; it's creating a new urban spirit. Balkanska and Davidova will become the future artistic and creative quarter of Niš, a space for young people, students of art schools and faculties, poets, filmmakers, and all who believe that a city lives through its people, ideas, and culture, — said the City Administration for Local Economic Development and Investments on their Instagram page.

The project is based on the Territorial Strategy for the Urban Area of Niš for the period 2024–2034, the first joint strategic document for integrated urban development in the region, and represents a significant step towards a more sustainable, green, accessible, and climate-resilient city.

The program EU INTEGRA, worth 15 million euros, is financed by the European Union through the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA III). The Serbian Ministry of European Integration is the main beneficiary of the program, while the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and the Permanent Conference of Municipalities and Cities (SKGO) implement it.