RELAUNCHTOWIN: Crafting a sustainable and inclusive future in Burgas

Nestled along the shores of the Black Sea, Burgas is one of Bulgaria’s most dynamic and rapidly evolving cities. Known for its stunning seaside views, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene, Burgas is more than just a gateway to the country’s coastal resorts—it’s a city with its own unique charm and character.

Burgas boasts a strategic location that has shaped its development over the centuries. As an important port city, it has long been a hub for trade and industry, contributing to its economic vitality. Yet, despite its industrial roots, Burgas has managed to preserve a strong connection to nature, with lush parks, green spaces, and a scenic coastline that attract both locals and visitors.

In recent years, Burgas has become a city that looks to the future while honouring its past. Its commitment to sustainable urban development, innovative projects, and social inclusion reflects a broader vision of becoming a more resilient and livable city. With a population of over 200,000, Burgas is large enough to offer the amenities of a modern city, yet small enough to retain a strong sense of community.

When it comes to urban development, the challenges for the Municipality of Burgas are clear: soaring energy costs, neglected urban spaces, and the ever-present threat of climate change. Beyond these environmental concerns, there was a pressing need to address social exclusion and ensure that the city’s infrastructure could meet the needs of all its citizens.

Determined to confront these issues head-on, Burgas Municipality is ready to reshape the city’s future. Their ambition is to make Burgas a leading example of sustainable, inclusive urban development—an embodiment of the modern town that harmonises progress with tradition.

Central to this ambition is the RELAUNCHTOWIN project, an initiative started in 2024. Inspired by the principles of the New European Bauhaus—engaging citizens in the co-creation and co-design of their urban environment—, this project aims to breathe new life into a long-neglected sports hall, turning it into a Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) and a vibrant centre for the community.

Once a bustling hub of activity, this sports hall has become a symbol of the city’s decline. Yet, the Municipality has seen in it an opportunity—a chance to create a space that conserves energy and brings people together. Alongside this, therapeutic gardens are to be planted, offering residents peaceful green spaces to unwind and connect with nature.

However, Burgas Municipality knows this transformation cannot be a top-down affair. The project’s success depends on the people who call Burgas home. Co-creation workshops are planned, bringing together residents, businesses, schools, NGOs, and academics to share their ideas and aspirations for the project. The response was immediate and enthusiastic, confirming the deep desire among the people of Burgas to play an active role in shaping their city’s future.

This inclusive approach will add richness and depth to the plans that no single entity could have achieved alone. The people of Burgas won’t just be consulted—they will be integral to the process, guiding the project every step of the way.

Of course, the journey is not without its challenges. Turning an outdated sports hall into an energy-efficient, multifunctional space requires innovation and expertise. The introduction of advanced digital tools, like a digital twin to manage the building’s operations, adds complexity that demands careful coordination. Yet, with the dedication of technical experts and strong partnerships with universities and other institutions, the Municipality is pushing forward.

RELAUNCHTOWIN is addressing these challenges by fostering strong partnerships with local and international stakeholders, leveraging the expertise of the city’s academic and business partners, and maintaining open communication with the local community. 

Regular workshops and co-creation sessions are being held to ensure that the project reflects the needs and desires of the citizens. Technical experts closely monitor the construction and retrofitting processes to meet the highest energy efficiency and sustainability standards.

A significant turning point was the successful launch of the initial co-creation workshops, where the project received overwhelming support and input from the community. This demonstrated the strong desire among residents to be actively involved in the project, which reinforced the project team’s commitment to making community participation a cornerstone of the initiative. It shifted their focus even more toward ensuring that the project is not just for the community but with the community.

Through this experience, the RELAUNCHTOWIN team has learned the immense value of involving the community from the very beginning. When citizens are part of the decision-making process, the outcomes are more meaningful, sustainable, and widely supported. They have also learned that addressing complex urban challenges requires a multidisciplinary approach combining technical innovation and social engagement. Their experience shows that with the right partnerships and a commitment to inclusivity, it is possible to create urban spaces that are both beautiful and functional.

As Burgas looks to the future, there is a clear vision. The sports hall will become a model of sustainable urban development, a space where innovation and community come together and inspire similar initiatives throughout the city.

The project managers envision a future for Burgas where green spaces are abundant, energy-efficient buildings are the norm, and all citizens have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. Ultimately, they see Burgas becoming a leading example of how cities can successfully navigate the challenges of the 21st century while preserving their cultural heritage and promoting social cohesion.

Written by Zoya Stoyanova, chief expert in strategic planning, digitalization and sustainable development at the Municipality of Burgas, and José Rodriguez, CrAFt’s communication manager, European Cultural Foundation.

Photo by Ivanistudio under Creative Commons license.