NEW HANZA
RIGA SKANSTE
Latvia
Riga Skanste “New Hanza” in Latvia redevelops the 25-hectare former industrial Skanste neighbourhood into a modern mixed-use district next to Riga’s historic centre, led by developers like Pillar since 2015. New Hanza serves as the gateway with Class A offices, apartments, retail, and green spaces, attracting businesses and residents through BREEAM Excellent standards and urban connectivity. This transformation positions Skanste as Riga’s emerging business and lifestyle hub, blending innovation with heritage.
New Hanza features nearly zero-energy offices at Mihaila Tāla 1, luxury apartments across four buildings (construction starting October 2025 for 258 units), Heart of Hanza residential complex with 127 apartments, gyms, kindergartens, and pet areas, plus street-level shops and cafes. The district connects via pedestrian paths to Art Nouveau areas, Sporta2 square, and public transport, creating vibrant work-live-play environments. Developments emphasize quality architecture and community integration.
Future Cities criteria compliance
Environmental & Nature
It features Class A energy efficiency, premium sustainable materials, green courtyards, and landscaped sidewalks that minimise environmental impact while promoting biodiversity and urban resilience. District heating connections, low-emission designs, and reduced car dependency via walking/cycling align with Latvia’s green standards, targeting long-term carbon reductions. Continuous quality monitoring upholds ecological performance.
Smart City
Projects deploy smart building systems with individual heating controls, heat recovery ventilation, and IoT for energy optimization in BREEAM-certified structures, supporting efficient operations and healthy indoor climates. Digital platforms enable real-time monitoring, resident apps for services, and data analytics for urban management, fostering Riga’s smart growth. These technologies ensure scalability and user-centric innovation.
Human-Centric
New Hanza has family-oriented amenities like playgrounds, private gardens, wellness facilities, and pet zones that foster social connections and active lifestyles for professionals and residents. Walkable layouts place shops, schools, and culture within minutes, enhancing daily well-being and belonging in this dynamic neighbourhood. Inclusive designs prioritise comfort, community, and urban vitality.
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