New Tashkent: Unveiling Uzbekistan's Vision for a Future-Proof Metropolis

The video provides a visual overview of the ambitious design and scope of the New Tashkent Masterplan, highlighting the work of the lead architects.

The New Tashkent (Yangi Toshkent) project represents one of Central Asia's most ambitious and transformative urban development initiatives. Envisioned as a "twin city" to the existing capital, it aims to address the rapidly growing population and increasing infrastructure strain on the historic city, setting a new global standard for sustainable and smart urbanism.

Key Scale and Scope

The project is monumental in size and capacity, reflecting Uzbekistan's vision for future growth:

• Total Size: The new city is planned to span approximately 25,000 hectares (some sources indicate 20,000 hectares), expanding the capital's footprint significantly to the east.

  
  

• Location: Situated between the Chirchiq and Karasu Rivers to the east of the current city center.

  
  

• Target Population: New Tashkent is designed to accommodate approximately 2.5 million people upon full completion, effectively doubling the capacity of the current capital area.

  
  

• Timeline: While the overall vision extends to 2045, groundworks have already commenced, with the first phase of development planned to create housing and infrastructure for 600,000 residents (initial phases mentioned are 100,000 residents or 60,000 inhabitants) on roughly 6,000 hectares.

  
  

💡 Core Design Philosophy: Smart, Green, and Human-Centered

The masterplan moves away from outdated Soviet-era planning and embraces modern principles, focusing on high quality of life and sustainability.

1. Green City and Sustainability

A central tenet of the design is the integration of extensive green space to combat rising urban temperatures and air quality issues in the capital.

• Green Corridors: A massive tree-planting initiative is underway, including plans for a 420-hectare central park and the establishment of the Tashkent Green Belt project starting here.

  
  

• Water Management: Canals, artificial lakes, and water features are integrated into the public space, fed by local mountains and carefully managing the hydrology of the area between the two rivers.

  
  

• Green Space Target: The goal is to increase the green space per capita significantly, aiming to make approximately 20% of the city area green zones.

  
  

2. The "15-Minute City" Concept

The plan adopts the globally recognized "15-minute city" model, ensuring convenience and promoting active mobility:

• Walkability: All essential services—including kindergartens, schools, hospitals, trade, and service facilities—are planned to be reachable within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from residential areas.

  
  

• Mobility: Priority will be given to pedestrians and cyclists, complementing new roads, bridges, and an expanded public transport network to reduce reliance on private cars.

  
  

3. Administrative and Economic Hub

New Tashkent is designed to be more than just a residential extension; it will be a major center for governance, innovation, and culture:

• Government Facilities: It will house the Administration Headquarters for the President, government ministries, and other new administrative and civic buildings.

  
  

• Education and Innovation: The city will feature new university campuses (including the University of New Uzbekistan), business and innovation neighborhoods, IT services, and technoparks.

  
  

• Cultural Infrastructure: Plans include a new National Library and various cultural and civic facilities, such as the major cultural center designed by Zaha Hadid Architects.

  
  

💻 Technology and Governance

The project is fundamentally a smart city, employing cutting-edge technology for management and transparency:

• Digital Twin: The entire masterplan is built around a Digital Twin, a virtual replica of the city that allows for real-time, data-driven management. This system helps the Directorate monitor development, evolve the plans, and engage stakeholders.

  
  

• Tashkent Code: The development is guided by the "Tashkent Code," a new set of comprehensive urban planning regulations designed to replace outdated Soviet-era rules, focusing on flexibility, creativity, and modern urban principles across scale, proportion, articulation, and materials.

  
  

The International Consortium

The project is a major international collaboration, with the masterplan led by the British firm Cross Works. The lead consultant oversees a large consortium of international experts, including:

• Masterplanner: Cross Works (UK)

  
  

• Engineering and Consulting: Buro Happold (UK), KPMG Uzbekistan, BURO ATLAS

  
  

• Architecture and Landscape: Gillespies (UK), Hartek Muhendislik, DOME+PARTNERS, SKAB, Zaha Hadid Architects (for a major cultural center).

The involvement of these global firms emphasizes the commitment to world-class quality and future-proof design for Uzbekistan's new capital.

The New Tashkent Masterplan, approved through 2045, is a strategic move to secure the capital's future, ensuring sustainable growth, an improved urban environment, and a competitive economic position in Central Asia for decades to come.