Over 180 public and outdoor areas will be constructed and expanded by 2025.
Gearing Up for a Greener, More Spacious Astana
Get ready for a revamped Astana! The city is set to transform this year with around 180 residential and public spaces, including parks, squares, and boulevards, getting a facelift. Jenis Kasymbek, Astana's Akim, emphasized the focus on developing green zones and pedestrian areas, making the city more inviting for its residents and visitors.
For example, the Baykonur district's "Tulpar" shopping center area will soon see the demolition of run-down houses and outdated trading pavilions. This chaotic trading hub will be replaced with a welcoming public space, featuring pedestrian zones, rest areas, greenery, and lighting. The improvement project will be carried out in stages and completed by year-end.
An expansive square is also under construction on Zhubanova Street. The new public space, spanning 4,500 square meters, will include perennial shrubs and large trees.
Meanwhile, Abai Avenue's stretch from Republic Avenue to Valikhanov Street is set for improvements, covering an area of 1.1 hectares. Street furniture, lighting, and extensive greening are on the agenda.
In the Sarayshik district, a thematic square dedicated to labor and blue-collar professions has started construction on Zhurgenev Street. The square will not only serve as a rest area but also contribute to the urban landscape by promoting respect for labor.
A picturesque green corner has already been established along Tashenova Street, with over 500 trees planted and an automatic irrigation system set up for maintenance.
Ultimately, the citywide improvements and greening initiatives aim to plant over one million green plants, including trees, seedlings, and shrubs, in Astana by 2025. This ambitious project forms part of a national initiative focusing on creating sustainable, resilient cities that foster community well-being.
Interestingly, Kazakhstan has embarked on a vast reforestation and urban greening campaign, aiming to plant 15 million trees in cities and villages across the country by 2025. By 2024, 14.3 million trees had already been planted in urban areas, including Astana, as part of the campaign[3]. These efforts support broader national goals of sustainability and resilience, such as striving for carbon neutrality by 2060 and integrating renewable energy sources and climate-resilient infrastructure in line with the push for sustainable urban development.
As part of the citywide renovation, the Baykonur district's shopping center area will be transformed into a lifestyle-friendly public space, featuring home-and-garden elements such as pedestrian zones, rest areas, greenery, and lighting. By 2025, Astana's commitment to green living includes plans to foster over one million plants, integrating a home-and-garden aesthetic throughout the city, promoting a greener, more spacious, and sustainable lifestyle.
