Uzbekistan is rolling out an ambitious urban regeneration initiative that blends heritage preservation with modern tourism infrastructure development — a rare balancing act in Central Asian urban planning. The centerpiece is a sprawling 447-hectare project unfolding across the Almazar district of Tashkent, where centuries-old mahallas (traditional neighborhoods) are being carefully restored while simultaneously transformed into vibrant tourist and business destinations.
Investment scale and private sector engagement
The undertaking demonstrates a deliberate two-track investment model. The state budget contributed 150 billion sums to restore 576 residential buildings in authentic national architectural style — essentially establishing the foundation for heritage-authentic urban fabric. Simultaneously, private entrepreneurs have injected 166 billion sums to create commercial hospitality and service infrastructure: seven hotels, eight restaurants, five craft centers, one shopping mall, and 125 service establishments now operate across the area. This mixed-funding approach has already generated 1,500 permanent jobs.
The renovation work along Zarkaynar Street represents just one component of this broader territorial transformation. What distinguishes the project is its deliberate focus on maintaining the district’s centuries-old architectural character — centuries-old layout, traditional building aesthetics, and artisanal heritage — rather than replacing it wholesale.
Master plan targets functional integration across innovation corridors
A comprehensive master plan for the “Almazar” innovation growth territory envisions what planners call “development corridors” — functionally integrated zones spanning education and innovation, tourism and retail trade, cultural heritage, business operations, and IT services. The strategy explicitly aims to weave together previously disconnected urban elements: the historic Old City, including the Khasti Imam complex and the iconic Chorsу market, with modern facilities such as the Student City, technology parks, and business centers.
Each of the six district-level streets spanning 15 mahallas will receive focused urban design treatment on five-year planning horizons. This phased approach attempts to navigate the inherent tension between preservation and modernization — a challenge many heritage cities struggle with.
Craftsmanship and skills development take center stage
A notable strategic priority involves supporting traditional craftspeople and folk industries. The initiative includes provisions to ensure artisans have adequate resources and production capability. Beyond immediate support, planners are examining the creation of a specialized “University of Craftsmanship” — a institution designed to develop qualified professionals capable of sustaining traditional manufacturing and heritage skills for commercial tourism purposes.
“Mе хотим создать условия для туристов, но при этом важно правильно выстроить и основу. Например, народные ремесла — одно из ключевых направлений, отражающих нашу национальную самобытность. Поэтому обеспечение мастеров всем необходимым для производства — наша прямая задача. Также необходимо готовить квалифицированные кадры. С этой целью целесообразно создать университет ремесленничества,” noted officials overseeing the initiative.
Broader urban development framework
The Almazar project forms part of a wider urban strategizing effort. Authorities are developing a dedicated “Old City” program — a long-term comprehensive framework for protecting and systematically upgrading Tashkent’s historic quarters while permitting economic dynamism. The approach emphasizes five-year master plans for individual streets, attempting to ensure that each block receives adequate urban design attention and coordinated infrastructure investment.
The northern commercial sector of the broader development area is designated for contemporary office space, IT parks, and business facilities — creating a geographic separation between heritage zones and modern corporate infrastructure.
Why this matters for international business
For international companies in hospitality, tourism infrastructure, architecture, urban design, interior design, and heritage conservation, Tashkent’s Almazar initiative signals an emerging market opportunity. Uzbekistan is explicitly seeking to develop tourism infrastructure while maintaining authentic cultural environments — a strategic positioning that differs from standardized resort or mass-market hospitality models. This creates demand for specialized architectural services, heritage-sensitive construction methodologies, and interior design that integrates traditional aesthetics with contemporary functionality.
Additionally, the project’s scale — 447 hectares involving hundreds of millions in investment across multiple properties — suggests ongoing procurement opportunities for construction materials, hospitality equipment, and professional services from international suppliers. The emphasis on craft centers and artisanal tourism infrastructure also opens avenues for companies specializing in experiential design, museum exhibits, or heritage tourism product development. As Central Asia increasingly positions itself as a cultural tourism destination, projects like Almazar offer early-stage partnership and investment opportunities for companies with relevant expertise in managing growth within heritage constraints.
