Prominent UK based commercial, residential and mixed-use property developer Spicer Oppenheim has today announced it has been granted planning permission for a 1 kilometre bridge spanning the Neva River in St Petersburg, Russia.
They will also build the new the MediaCity development and a major mixed use leisure complex providing a variety of bars, restaurants and hotels, together with a landscaped waterfront and open public spaces.
Along with strategic partners AECOM, and local developers Expert Invest LLP, Spicer Oppenheim will deliver the ambitious project in time for the 2018 Football World Cup, with the projected construction cost standing at over $100 million.
The pedestrian bridge, which has the working title “the Bridge of Champions”, will link the north bank of the river and Krestovsky Island, where Gazprom and Renaissance are currently in the process of constructing a 60,000 seat stadium for use in the international sporting event.
The Bridge of Champions will offer breath-taking views over the River Neva, the Gulf of Finland, Krestovsky Island and the new development. The contemporary design promises to be a fitting addition to the many fine bridges for which St Petersburg is world renowned.
MediaCity, on the mainland side of the river, will also play an important role during the World Cup, as its proximity to the stadium – and its state-of-the-art facilities – will make it the ideal base for both local and international broadcasters.
Following the conclusion of the tournament, it will provide a vibrant destination to work, live and play, and the commercial space will become a premium location for leading TV and media companies.
The bridge will also continue to play a prominent role following the World Cup, as the stadium will become the home ground for the Russian Premier League’s Zenit Football Club, which currently sits at the top of the domestic table.
Adjacent to the new football stadium will lie the impressive mixed use leisure complex, which is expected to deliver a “fan zone” for visitors both during the World Cup and at Zenit’s home games in the years following the tournament. The scheme will also deliver a 100 berth Marina and a River Cruise terminal.
Spicer Oppenheim CEO, Paul Jarvis, says; “We are delighted to win this high profile project, probably one of the most important development opportunities in Saint Petersburg today.
“We will deliver a visionary bridge that balances the established, traditional grace of the historic city centre with the cutting edge of the digital future.”
AECOM director Barry Nugent believes that the partnership will deliver a ground breaking complex in St Petersburg.
He says; “Aecom values its long term strategic relationship with Spicer Oppenheim.
“We have a reputation for building fine bridges and have specialised in delivery of Media orientated complexes which will provide world class facilities for the most demanding occupiers in the field.”
Spicer Oppenheim is currently working closely with the City of St Petersburg to finalise all agreements before launching the construction phase of the project later this year. In total, the development will measure between 30,000 and 40,000 square metres, and is expected to create between 2,000 and 3,000 direct and indirect jobs for St Petersburg.
