Currently, the "First Alley" is mixed with pedestrian and automobile traffic. But with its development it risks to be saturated with new content and then it will be necessary to evolve it to a space for pedestrians and cyclists, thereby ensuring the quietness near the beach.

 For this purpose, we need to create a second alley for cars, city buses and taxis. This will provide easy access to the parking for 1200 cars. To function normally the four-kilometer coastline of Varna need those spaces. In the southern half of the "First Alley" the traffic will be limited only for taxis and employees. In the northern half of the project is provided seven new pedestrian connections between the "Sea Garden" and the "First Alley", as two of them are wide amphitheaters facing the sea. All of them have panoramic lifts for disabled access.

 The three existing piers in the sea assume new functions. The first becomes a little fishing village and port for boats and a market for fresh fish. The second one is near the Aqua Park and naturally shelters a base for water sports and attractions. Around the third pier will be is build a modern marina near the hotel.

 Landscaping features prominently in the project for rehabilitation of the adjacent spaces around the "First Alley". There the existing trees will be saved as much as possible. It is taken into consideration for the creation of a rich green system and the planting of valuable ornamental plants.

 The Master Plan is entirely based on the existing urban plan of Varna and the existing urban regulations in the coastal area. Urban characteristics are to be preserved.

 Buildings at the foot of the steep slope of the “Sea Garden” are in the form of terraces and thus they are most harmoniously integrated into the existing context of the slope and at the same time they have maximum view to the sea. The facades are entirely of stone - a symbol of longevity and tradition. Some of them, as well as the roof terraces, are rich in vegetation and thus they merge with the existing one on the adjacent slopes.

 The newly created Second Alley for motor traffic is four meters higher than the pedestrian axis in front of it. In this way the passing motorists also have a sea view. This location allows the building of one and two levels of underground parking for about a thousand cars.

 The five-star hotel has 210 rooms facing the sea, and a huge representative Atrium Conference Center. Its proximity to the yacht port can transform it into a unique hotel complex.

 In contemporary urban planning in order to create a vibrant urban fabric we need multifunctional activities to match the dynamics of our age.

 The project suggests the creation of an Art Center, which is open all year long. Each of the twelve square dedicated to the arts has spaces for learning and thematic coffee gardens for meetings and adjacent underground halls and service facilities. These public spaces are covered with removable textile awnings and in this way they can be used continuously. Within their silhouette they are reminiscent of the sea and sailboats in contrast with the massive terraced buildings at the foot of the Sea Garden.

 The Covered amphitheater for 2 500 people in the sea represents a polyvalent hall which provides great opportunities for the organization of festivals, concerts and conferences. It can become a new symbol of the city.

 With these new facilities and a superb “First Alley”, Varna can be a candidate for European Capital of Culture.

Stefan Dobrev Architect and Urbanist

All rights reserved to arch. Stefan Dobrev

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The most important area for a seaside town is its coast. The wealth of Varna is that it has a "Sea Garden" which is a great transition between the city and the sea. This park is four kilometers long and about three hundred meters wide. At its foot is situated the "First Alley", which unfortunately today is difficult to access, and is surrounded by numerous grim and chaotic buildings.

 The project has the ambition and transforms the "First Alley" into a unique place for recreation and entertainment at the level of the best examples in Europe, as the “Gardens in Balchik’s Castle”, the “Park Guel of Gaudi” in Barcelona and the “Park de la Villette” in Paris.

 The idea is that the "First Alley" is transformed into a rich pedestrian axis with twelve squares dedicated to the arts. The aim is to create a multi-functional urban park of Varna’s coast. Here visitors can rest, enjoy the sea view, celebrate, have fun, but also they can have cultural experiences, such as performances, exhibitions and concerts. In the covered public spaces can be organized throughout the year various festivals, meetings and conferences.