The idea
The idea for the Danube Business Park was first initiated in 2002, during one of the technical visits of the American experts to Silistra. At that time, several projects that had positive effects on local economic development had been implemented under the Bulgarian Technical Twinning Program. In addition, the experience of the American counterparts in the development of industrial parks in Kettering, Ohio indicated that this approach really results in new business recruitment.
So, the idea to develop the industrial zone on the eastern terrace of the Danube, close to the border with Romania, was embraced.
Description of the Danube Business Park area
The area allocated for the park is situated in the northeastern section of the town, close to the downtown. It borders the Danube to the north, Kapitan Krastev Street to the south, the port to the west and the land border with Romania to the east. The area is accessed mainly via Kapitan Krastev Street. The width of the street varies between 12 and 9 meters. The street is blocked in a 100-meter section and needs to be re-opened.
Partial infrastructure is available in the area; some elements are obsolete and require reconstruction. The infrastructure is located completely under the street. A large portion of the area is neglected and in deplorable condition. Some 405 of the area are private properties with business uses. Small workshops, transport and warehouse facilities are located here.
Implementation stages
The scale of the project, the different ownership of the lots in the area, as well as the limited financing require the implementation of the project solution in several stages:
Stage one (2002 - 2003)
Municipality of Silistra initiated the redevelopment of the area in 2002, with support from the United States Agency for International Development through the Foundation for Local Government Reform. The expert group is assisted by several US experts from Kettering, Ohio: Joe Roller, Al Fullenkamp and Jeff Hogeland. The area was inventoried and the companies operating there were interviewed. The conceptual design for the industrial zone was developed with the support of the EcoLinks Program, Washington, D.C. A public discussion of the concept was held in the summer of 2003; the concept was then adopted by the municipal council.
Stage two (2004)
A regulation and development plan was developed for the Danube Business Park under the Bulgarian Technical Twinning Program. Following public announcement and discussion, the plan was consulted with the responsible ministries.
Stage three (2004 -2005)
The technical and work designs for the improvements on Kapitan Krastev Street were developed in 2004 - 2005. The street is a key element in the development of the park. Silistra's targeted efforts provided an opportunity for the formulation of a project proposal to PHARE - Pilot Scheme for Integrated Development of the Northeastern Planning Area for infrastructure financing.
Stage four (2006-2007)
The civil works on the road access began in early 2006. The project, financed by PHARE, will be completed in June, providing quality transport connections in the area.
In 2006 the Municipality of Silistra applied to FLGR for financial support for the formulation of technical documentation on the construction of streets between the public services, hi-tech and clean production zones and the riverbank alley, as well as for the adjacent infrastructure. In this way, the site will have all documents required for its implementation.
Next stage
The existence of project documentation provides a clear picture of the overall investment needed in alleys, green areas, streets and infrastructure to the lots. On the other hand, the project documentation will allow the Municipality to seek financing for infrastructure in 2007 - 2008.
- Plan and technical documentation for infrastructure improvements developed for the Danube Business Park
As a result from the design and planning activities, the Municipality now has a mid-term area improvement and management strategy aimed at support to economic development.
- Improved road access to the site - lower business costs
At this stage, the reconstruction of Kapitan Krastev Street would provide complete access to the site, including for larger vehicles. Currently, because of the blocked road, a detour of almost 2 kilometers is needed, which doubles the loss of time, hinders traffic and increases the costs of the companies willing to locate their business in the area.
- Job retention and growth
All interviewed companies with facilities in the area have well-justified and serious plans to expand their businesses and to create at least 30 new jobs within a year.
- Job creation by external companies
External investors have already declared their investment plans and will be creating new jobs. Under the regulation and development plan, once the main road to the site is completed, the Municipality will initiate the sale of the municipal lots with business uses.
- Entertainment facilities
The functional zoning of the Business Park calls for the use of some lots for tourism-related services and entertainment. The local government's consistent policy on local economic development has resulted in the partial approval by the respective ministries of the construction of a tourism port (a place for tourist boats and water sports). This creates a real opportunity to attract twice more visitors to the park.
- Benefits to the local/regional economy
Most of the companies interested in invested in the Business Park deal in goods and services at regional level. In this respect, the growth of their profits will influence the regional economy as a whole.
- Human capacity development
During project implementation, the municipal employees involved accumulated experience in the following areas:
1. International marketing, human resources, business park management and development
2. Investment recruitment
3. Work on externally financed projects
4. Administrative capacity.
Contacts:
Municipality of Silistra 7500
33, Simeon Veliki Street
Ivo Kirilov Andonov, Mayor
Hristina Georgieva, Deputy-Mayor, Economy, tel. ++ 359 86 816 215
Diana Nedelcheva Bebenova, Program Consultant, tel. ++ 359 888 494 077
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