Masterplan Series: How Historic Industrial Sites Will Find New Purpose in Modern Mykolai
As part of the UN4UkrainianCities Masterplan Series, we continue our exploration of Mykolaiv's urban transformation through conversations with key experts from One Works Foundation. This series aims to make complex urban planning concepts more accessible to the public, policymakers, and development professionals alike. In this article, Francesca Pintus, Associate Director at One Works, discusses the ambitious plans to breathe new life into Mykolaiv's industrial heritage.
From Naval Base to Industrial Giant: Mykolaiv's Maritime Legacy
Mykolaiv's story begins at the end of the 18th century when it was established as a naval base. "The city quickly turned into an incredible and successful commercial port on the Black Sea," explains Pintus. In its early days, the city's utilitarian nature was so pronounced that streets did not even have names for the first 50 years – they simply served the port's logistical needs.
Over time, the city evolved into a renowned shipbuilding center, earning the nickname "city of ships." This industry shaped not just the physical landscape but the very fabric of local society. "The whole economy of the city and the skillset and knowledge developed by its inhabitants really revolved around that industry," Pintus notes. This maritime heritage became deeply embedded in Mykolaiv's identity, leaving an indelible mark that persists to this day.
The masterplan envisions converting the 100-hectare former industrial area into a vibrant waterfront neighborhood, featuring new public spaces, wooden boardwalks along the river, and mixed-use developments while preserving elements of its industrial heritage.
Industrial Monuments: Preserving the Past While Building the Future
The transition following Ukraine's independence in the 1980s led to a significant downsizing of the shipbuilding industry, leaving behind an impressive industrial landscape. "The sheer scale of these elements is just amazing," Pintus describes. "If you move along the river, you see these gigantic cranes, and a half-built war vessel, or a 30-meter-tall metal structures that over time have really become part of the landscape and are quite a strong element in the character of the city."
These industrial relics are more than just abandoned infrastructure – they are monuments to Mykolaiv's history. The masterplan recognizes their significance while proposing innovative ways to give them new purpose. "What we would like to do with the Concept Masterplan is to give this industrial heritage a second chance," says Pintus. "We want to finally free up these areas and open them up to the public, and by doing so, we would be able to give the riverfront back to the population."
The Shipyard Transformation: A Catalyst for Urban Renewal
A centerpiece of this industrial transformation is the old shipyard site, a 100-hectare state-owned area along the riverfront. Through extensive community engagement, One Works Foundation has developed a vision for this space that balances heritage preservation with modern needs. "We have gone through an extensive process of community engagement thanks to a local facilitator who was incredibly supportive because we really wanted to create a shared vision for this area," Pintus explains.
The project aims to maintain Mykolaiv's maritime character while creating new opportunities for public engagement with the water - a key component of what Pintus describes as the 'new and vibrant waterfront neighborhood.'
The plan envisions an open-air, diffused museum celebrating Mykolaiv's history while integrating new functions. "We are creating new connections between the industrial heritage and new functions – new uses such as offices and startups, restaurants and bars, residential blocks that together will really help generate a new and vibrant waterfront neighborhood for the city," says Pintus. This area, previously closed off from public access, will become a dynamic part of urban life.
“This is something that can happen over time and can happen in phases. We really believe that initiating this process and letting the shipyard be a trigger for regeneration will really help reshape not only the economy but also the image of Mykolaiv.”
While acknowledging the challenges ahead – including necessary remediation works and safety considerations – Pintus emphasizes that this transformation can occur gradually.
The vision extends beyond mere preservation or redevelopment. By opening up the riverfront and enabling water sports and transportation against the backdrop of preserved industrial elements, the plan aims to establish Mykolaiv as a distinctive contemporary destination in the region. This approach not only honors the city's maritime heritage but also positions it for a vibrant future where historic industrial sites serve as anchors for community life, economic activity, and cultural expression.
Photo Credit: One Works Foundation
Through this thoughtful transformation of its industrial heritage, Mykolaiv is poised to write the next chapter in its history – one that respects its past while embracing the possibilities of tomorrow. The masterplan's approach to industrial heritage demonstrates how cities can leverage their historical assets to create unique, livable spaces that serve the needs of modern urban life while preserving the character that makes them unique.