The Vilnius City Council and LTG Group have extended their memorandum of intent for the development of the Connect II (Grįžratis) site, a former freight yard covering approximately 42 hectares in the city center. As part of the agreement, the city will hold an international competition to develop an urban development concept for the area, which will form the basis for its subsequent transformation. The site, located at the junction of the Naujininkai and Naujamiestis districts, has served an important industrial function for decades and played a significant role in the capital’s economy.
Currently, the site continues to be used for LTG Group’s infrastructure activities, but some operations are gradually being transferred to new sites. A key element of this strategy is the construction of a modern electric train depot in Naujoji Vilnia, which will free up central space and devote it to the development of a multifunctional urban environment. The company notes that investments in modernizing rail infrastructure facilitate the transition from industrial use to the creation of a sustainable urban space focused on mobility, business, and a high quality of life.
According to the city’s plans, Connect II will become a multifunctional innovation district with residential, public, educational, service, and office facilities, as well as green spaces and a school. Preparatory work has already identified constraints for preserving the historic railway heritage and outlined possible developments. Vilniaus Vystymo Kompanija will develop a detailed plan, and the Go Vilnius agency will conduct a strategic study on the potential of the future innovation cluster. The project is being implemented as part of a broader transformation of railway territories – the parties previously signed a contract for the transformation of Connect I and are continuing to develop the urban rail transport concept.