EUROPEAN FILM ACADEMY NAMES SPLENDID PALACE A CINEMA TREASURE
Rīga’s Splendid Palace is added to a prestigious list of European Cinema Treasures, joining 70 recognised sites. Operating since 1923, the historic cinema retains its original architecture. Latvia is now represented by two sites — Mežaparka Lielā estrāde and Splendid Palace.
NEWS
LATVIA BANS TREE CUTTING OUTSIDE FORESTS UNTIL 30 JUNE
A nationwide ban on cutting trees outside forests is in effect from 15 April to 30 June to protect birds during nesting season. The ban applies to all trees requiring a municipal permit. Exceptions include fruit trees, trees under 20 cm in diameter, and emergency removals posing safety risks.
ENVIRONMENT, SUSTAINABILITY & CLIMATE
LATVIJAS UNIVERSITĀTE BEGINS RENOVATION OF ITS MAIN BUILDING
Latvijas Universitāte starts a €4.8 million renovation of its main building at Raiņa bulvāris 19. The project improves energy efficiency while preserving the architectural heritage. Around 70% of costs are covered by the Emissions Trading Instrument. Completion in early 2028.
NEWS
RĪGA PLANS PEDESTRIAN SQUARE OUTSIDE VECĀ ĢERTRŪDES CHURCH
Following a community initiative submitted in 2020, a €900,000 public square project near Vecā Ģertrūdes baznīca will be developed. The plan creates a car-free zone with benches, trees, and renewed pavement, access for deliveries and 13 parking spaces. A contractor is expected by early May.
TRANSPORT & INFRASTRUCTURE
RĪGA SIMPLIFIES ADVERTISING RULES TO IMPROVE URBAN LANDSCAPE
Advertising regulations, amended on April 22nd, now ease signage rules for vending machines, parcel lockers, and facades. A single street trading permit includes advertising on market stalls. Digital screen brightness limits are now citywide, and beach-style banner flags are banned outside of event venues.
NEWS
SNOW HOTEL DRUSKININKAI OPENS NEXT TO BALTIC’S ONLY YEAR-ROUND SKI ARENA
Naresta completes the reconstruction of Snow Arena in Druskininkai, opening a new 12-storey hotel on the 8-hectare site. Snow Arena has operated since 2011 and trained over 17,000 athletes.
PROJECT
PUBLIC CONSULTATION LAUNCHES FOR NEW RESIDENTIAL BUILDING ON KATRĪNAS IELA
Developer IM Investments proposes a seven-storey residential building with 81 apartments at Katrīnas iela 14A in Rīga’s historic centre UNESCO buffer zone. The ground floors will house a kindergarten and beauty centre. Public consultation runs from 15 April to 14 May. more info at rdpad.lv
URBAN DEVELOPMENT
TALLINN OPENS ESTONIA’S MOST MODERN CIRCULAR ECONOMY CENTRE IN LASNAMÄE
Tallinn opens its second circular economy centre at Toorme 2 in Lasnamäe. The €8.8 million facility combines a waste station, repair workshops, reuse shop, café, classrooms, and a 2.5-hectare park. The building features a green roof, solar panels, and recycled materials throughout.
ENVIRONMENT, SUSTAINABILITY & CLIMATE
