Academic Town construction project enters practical stage - minister

ArmInfo. The construction of the Academic City in Armenia is entering the practical phase. This was announced by RA Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports Zhanna Andreasyan on November 4 at a meeting of the joint commissions of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia,  where the draft 2026 state budget was being discussed.

According to her, the ministry is guided by the approved strategy in  implementing the city's construction program.

The city will be constructed in several stages. During the first  stage, in 2030, a technology cluster will be operational, which means  student enrollment will begin by that time. A student dormitory for  3,600 people will also be built.

A multifunctional cultural center is planned for the first stage,  which will provide space for various festivals and cultural events.  Transportation infrastructure will also be created.

The minister announced that construction work on the city will begin  in 2026. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that Akademgorodok  is staffed with qualified personnel. A contract was recently signed  with the London Institute of Education to provide the necessary  educational courses.

The master plan for the city was developed by the German company gmp  International GmbH Architects and Engineers. It will be built on land  adjacent to Yerevan's 17th Quarter.

On January 4 of last year, the Armenian government adopted a draft  resolution "On recognizing the priority public interest in certain  areas located within the administrative boundaries of the city of  Yerevan and the settlement of Sasunik in the Ashtarak community of  the Aragatsotn region" for the construction of Academic City. The  territory of Yerevan's 17th Quarter, which includes land plots owned  by the state and the community, as well as land plots belonging to  individuals and legal entities, as well as the land occupied by the  Amo Beknazaryan Hayfilm Film Studio, will be transferred to the  Academic City Foundation.

On April 21, 2023, the Academic City Foundation was established. On  October 19 of last year, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the  concept of the Academic City program. Presenting the project,  Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports of Armenia Zhanna  Andreasyan stated that, in accordance with the state development  program for Armenia until 2030, the Academic City is planned to be  created as a modern environment for high-quality education and  research. Andreasyan reported that up to 16 universities will be  located within the Academic City: up to eight state-owned and up to  eight private or international higher education institutions. The  construction of the Academic City will cost 1.2 trillion drams.