Senamiesčio Link by CITUS residents’ community will unite the neighbours of just 45 flats. One L-shaped building will not only become a home for the newcomers but will also invite businesses to move in: on the second floor, four commercial spaces are planned, and for the convenience of the residents there will be a 24-space underground car park. The project will be carried out in one phase so that Citus clients will avoid the noise and inconvenience of construction, and immediately enjoy a high-quality living environment.
The district is also receiving a lot of attention from the municipality
Tarutis explains that when analysing where to develop real estate projects, most real estate experts look at Vilnius’s general plan – it clearly indicates the direction the city intends to take in the next ten years. The Vilnius City Municipality is planning a long-term transformation in Naujininkai, in particular.
According to Tarutis, conversion projects – which are actively developed in New York, Copenhagen and other Western cities – are becoming increasingly popular in Lithuania. Looking at the map of Vilnius, the biggest conversions so far have taken place in Naujamiestis, Paupys and Markučiai, and now they are taking place in Žirmūnai. Naujininkai is seen as one of the centres of change for the future of Vilnius. From the planned renovation of squares and streets to the future development of recreation and leisure infrastructure and the Vilnius Connect project, Naujininkai will be energised, empowered and more appealing. Of course, the strategic location of the central part of the city, adjacent to the Old Town, also plays an important role.
While historically, the majority of Vilnius residents have lived in the northern part of the city, according to Tarutis more and more developers are turning to the southern part of the city, where there is space for construction and conversion projects. He elaborates:
It is obvious that the northern part of the city has almost reached the so-called ‘ceiling’ – we should already be balancing on the borderline between the city and the suburbs when looking for new territories in that part of the capital. Potential sites in the southern part of the city can still be changed. That’s what we are doing with this project: we are turning an individual old wooden house into a block of flats and significantly changing the density of the local population. As the concentration of the population gradually increases, more infrastructure will be added.
Conversion – the key to value growth
According to Tarutis, Citus has been looking to Naujininkai for a long time and sees a lot of potential – this year, the company’s next project, Tyzenhauz by CITUS, is expected to start here. According to the company’s analysts, the developments and conversion projects planned in the district could increase the value of the property in the district by up to 46% over the next seven years. Tarutis expands on this:
When a project is very new and the first buyer comes to buy a housing property, it can be uncomfortable because the surroundings are not yet fully developed. However, the winners see the vision and realise that the look and the environment will change significantly in a few years. In terms of return on investment, these are the places that statistically record the highest price increases – not where everything is fully implemented and attractive, but where the conversion is still in progress.
He acknowledges that Naujininkai’s old reputation might deter some newcomers but emphasises that the district is changing:
In Vilnius, we have excellent examples of neighbourhood conversion. Šnipiškės was until recently associated with crime and social problems. Still, the situation started to change when Vilnius City Municipality moved to Konstitucijos Avenue, and business centres were built there. Another successful example is the Paupys district, which has become one of the most desirable places in the city thanks to conversion. This is the kind of change we see and are creating in Naujininkai.
Tarutis states that the security situation in the area is improving, and the new project will contribute to even greater comfort and quality of life:
Our priority is the safety of our citizens. The territory of Senamiesčio Link by CITUS will be monitored by video cameras and illuminated. The façades of the buildings will have special lighting, and the enclosed area is designed so that the entrances to the yard or houses are naturally protected by the perimeter of the building and the hillside.
Details of a high-quality living environment and a gym for residents
Tarutis notes that the project Senamiesčio Link by CITUS, launched in the autumn, has attracted a lot of interest, with more than 30% of the units already sold. Buyers appreciate not only the desirable, strategically convenient location but also the exclusive solutions and functional layout of the flats. He details the special features:
Considering modern work trends and the growing popularity of hybrid work, the three-room apartments are designed to include a comfortable separate workspace. A charming square is planned next to the building for residents’ convenience and active leisure. At the same time, the rooftop will feature a panoramic terrace with relaxation areas and fixed binoculars for enjoying the view of the Old Town. The project’s community will also have access to a modern gym for strength and cardio workouts. This is our second project, building a gym for residents. The space on the second floor of the building will be reserved for the community so residents can exercise comfortably, avoiding traffic congestion on the roads or busy commercial gyms. We are convinced that this adds value to the home and contributes to a healthier, more active lifestyle.
He mentions that the project includes car parking spaces, convenient bicycle storage and a bicycle washing station – both solutions favoured by Citus clients. ‘It may seem small, but solutions like this create greater comfort and quality of life. As I have already mentioned, Senamiesčio Link by CITUS is one of the smallest projects we are executing, but it is very well thought out, unique and multifunctional’.
Based on the 15-minute city concept
Senamiesčio Link by CITUS project is rising on the quiet Panevėžio street, from where the Old Town can be reached on foot and in just a few minutes, you can be at the bus and train stations. It’s easy to access the Western Bypass quickly by car, and Vilnius Airport is just a 7-minute drive away.
According to Tarutis, the most significant advantage of the location for the residents of Senamiesčio Link by CITUS is the short distance to the Old Town and the New Town, which can be reached within a 15-minute walk. In the same amount of time, the city centre or Konstitucijos Avenue can be reached by bicycle.
It is also close to Vilnius’ major transport hubs: the airport, railway and bus stations, and the Western Bypass. The surrounding area has a well-developed public transport network, cycle paths and easy access to all transport-sharing services. Therefore, within 15 minutes on foot, by bicycle, scooter or public transport, anyone can reach any place they need daily: shops, beauty, medical, educational or other services, recreation, leisure or entertainment.
Tarutis points out that another important advantage is the competitive price. ‘It's an excellent choice for individuals looking to enjoy all the centre's benefits at a more affordable price. It is attractive for people who want to live in the central part of the city but cannot afford a prestigious home in the Old Town’, he concludes.