Chisinau's 2040 urban plan draws on Romanian expertise
A Romanian-Moldovan consortium led by Bucharest-based ARHICON is updating Chisinau's General Urban Plan 2040, with approval expected by the end of 2027, following public consultations on its 12 background studies.
Romanian and Moldovan experts join forces
The project brings together a multidisciplinary consortium led by Romanian company ARHICON SRL, alongside the Technical University of Moldova, the “Ion Mincu” University of Architecture and Urban Planning in Bucharest, and the Chisinau Municipal Design Institute, known as Chișinăuproiect.
The team also includes the university's Centre for Research, Design, Expertise and Consulting (CCPEC).
Project coordinator Mihai Moțcanu-Dumitrescu said the “Ion Mincu” University contributes extensive academic expertise and practical experience in urban design and planning. Its specialists have worked on two editions of Bucharest's General Urban Plan.
The team is currently analysing feedback and recommendations submitted during public consultations while developing the urban planning concept.
“Alongside its written, theoretical and conceptual framework, this concept must also have a graphic component showing precisely where and how things will take place,” Moțcanu-Dumitrescu said on November 10, during a meeting of the General Urban Plan Supervisory Group.
Twelve background studies inform the city's development strategy
The 12 background studies cover key aspects of Chisinau's development, including transport, housing, economic growth, public utilities, public services, demographics, territorial development, natural heritage and environmental protection.
Four rounds of public consultations were organised to present and discuss these studies. The final round, CP-04, concluded in early November 2026, marking the end of the consultation series dedicated specifically to the background studies.
The authorities are now analysing the feedback received to inform the next stages of the planning process. Further public consultations will be required as the actual planning documents are developed.
Chisinau Mayor Ion Ceban said the municipality was prepared to involve leading international experts to ensure that the proposed solutions meet high standards.
“We are ready to bring in the best specialists from around the world, including Europe. We need the solutions designed for Chisinau to meet the highest standards,” Ceban said.
Approval expected by the end of 2027
The next stage is scheduled for the first quarter of 2027, when the urban development concept is expected to be finalised. The Local Urban Planning Regulations will then be drafted during the second and third quarters.
The final three months of 2027 are earmarked for institutional reviews, public consultations and approval. The General Urban Plan is expected to be submitted to the Chisinau Municipal Council by the end of the year.
Sustainability and integrated urban development
The Chișinău 2040 General Urban Plan will establish the strategic framework for the city's long-term development, regulating land use and guiding decisions on housing, transport, infrastructure, green spaces and public services.
Its priorities include sustainable and balanced urban growth, improved mobility, green infrastructure, the protection of cultural and natural heritage, the expansion of green spaces, economic development and innovation.
The plan is intended to provide a coherent framework for managing Chisinau's development and addressing the challenges facing the city over the coming decades.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
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