Recently, residents of the capital and urban planners have expressed concern about the authorities' plans to build a presidential library in Astana's linear park.
The unique concept of the park as a multifunctional green space has come under threat due to possible development.
Journalists from NewTimes.kz found out the reasons for the concern of the capital's public.
The linear park on the left bank of Astana, construction of which began in 2017, is a unique urban space covering about 14 hectares.
The project includes playgrounds, sports and recreation areas, cycle paths and green infrastructure. According to experts, such parks create "green corridors" in megacities, where residents can relax away from the city noise.
In recent years, citizens have actively opposed the development of the capital's only linear park, pointing to the oversaturation of the area with high-rise residential complexes and the lack of public spaces.
Their efforts led to the cancellation of the construction of a residential complex, and in 2023 the authorities promised to continue improving the park.
However, local authorities recently announced their intention to build a presidential library here.
The Presidential Administration claims that the library will become a modern public space with a collection of 10 million copies and round-the-clock access.
Meanwhile, there are already two large presidential libraries in the city with a total area of over 100,000 sq. m. They are located just 2.3 kilometres from the linear park and perform similar functions.
Incidentally, an administrative building within the park has been empty for two years, and its purpose, for some reason, is not disclosed to the public, claim journalists from the publication.
This raises the question: why not use existing buildings?
Furthermore, experts note a severe shortage of parks and green spaces in Astana, especially on the left bank. Building a library in the linear park could deprive the city of important development potential.
The park could connect several key city facilities and serve as an example of successfully integrating natural areas into the urban environment.
Urban planner Alikhan Kusherbayev emphasises the importance of preserving the park: "The construction of facilities like the library should take into account the opinions of residents and the needs of the city. The linear park is a strategic public space that makes the city more comfortable and friendly."
It is clear that the issue of development in Astana is becoming increasingly acute. Residents demand the preservation of the remaining green areas. Local authorities try to find a balance between the interests of citizens and their own projects, but more and more often they give priority to administrative buildings rather than improving residents' quality of life.
The editorial board of FBRK has sent official requests to the Akimat of Astana and the Presidential Administration to clarify the city authorities' position regarding the construction of the presidential library in the linear park and to obtain explanations about the feasibility of this project.
Recall that recently in Astana, a public discussion was held regarding changes to the detailed plan for a plot in the capital's "Krasnaya Derevnya" microdistrict.
During the discussion, a change in the designated purpose of the plot from "construction of a residential building" to "public garden" was considered. 94 people voted unanimously in favour of the amendment.
However, the future of the public garden remains unknown for now.
Also, discussions continue regarding the construction of the new Palace of the Republic in Astana. The site for construction was chosen on the outskirts of the city beyond the Nura-Yesil canal. Its area would have been large enough to accommodate a residential neighbourhood, 57 kindergartens or 51 state polyclinics.
Details of the project have not yet been disclosed.