Approximately a year ago we were able to report about improvements being made in Andrejsala's north part, a district comprising several interesting landmarks—the former power station, old grain elevator and Krasta railway station—as reflected in the relevant land-use master plans by Rīga's municipal authorities. At the time of this writing, some parts of the territory remain encircled by a fence, but, before long, the area that has been known as a strictly industrial one will experience substantial change, making publicly accessible the Daugava's embankment and creating an entirely new and pleasant environment both for business and for leisure activities such as taking a walk, enjoying the sunset, fishing, photography and similar hobbies.     

As part of the reorganisation, in the winter of 2007 the entire length of Andrejostas Street was opened for the use by pedestrians and motorists; come spring, and in the north of Andrejsala the disused heat pipe overpass crossing the railway near the Krasta station was taken down; in June, during the popular Andrejsala's Water Festival, the new yacht mooring facility called Eksportosta Marina was officially launched and has since been attracting the interest of more and more boat owners. Then, in the autumn of 2007, the transformations started affecting the land lot in front of the office building at 6 Andrejostas Street: away went the worn concrete slabs of the paving, and basic repairs to the embankment were carried out.

Andrejsala's north part: the map shows the newly built and planned roads and car parks. (Click to enlarge.)

In May 2008, a side road branching off Andrejostas Street became accessible (in conformity with Andrejsala's detailed plan) and can now be used to travel from the former site of the power station up to the riverbank of the Daugava, where there stand another two office buildings and a sizeable storehouse. The previously mentioned office building at 6 Andrejostas Street has a new car park, moved from its earlier location near the building to the east part of the street. For this change, about 1,000 square yards (more than 800 sq m) of land had to be levelled, in order to accommodate at least 30 automobiles. This helped to substantially reduce motor vehicle traffic along the Eksportosta embankment route, thus liberating it for the use by pedestrians and bicycles.

A landscaper's drawing with the improvements proposed near the office building at 6 Andrejostas Street. (Click to enlarge.)

Further improvements are going to be made this year around the office building at 6 Andrejostas Street, applying, whenever possible, natural materials and taking into consideration the existing condition of the environment. The front yard, formerly surrounded by a fence, now has a freshly re-planted lawn, shortly to be complemented also by selected garden plants, while keeping the existing trees. The local employees and visitors can enjoy the utility of simple bike parking facilities. In due time, there will appear a system of footpaths, whilst the area beside the building will include a new recreation spot for the office workers' work breaks. It is also planned to create a marked out pedestrian lane with outdoor benches and litterbins on the stretch of the road that forks off Andrejostas Street and is located near the office building and the marina. Visit the area in the near future, and you will find here a reasonably revitalised neighbourhood with trees, plants and matching signage providing clear directions.