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Construction has begun on Astana's Millennium Alley, a project plagued by delays and now facing resident backlash over controversial design choices. Originally envisioned as a six-kilometer green belt for the capital, the park-boulevard, first announced in 2018-2019, is still not fully operational. Residents are voicing strong concerns that planned green spaces are disappearing to make way for new residential complexes.

Concerns Over Green Spaces

The Astana City Administration announced in April 2024 that construction had commenced on a section of the Millennium Alley. Work is progressing in two key areas: near the Kazakh National Music and Drama Theatre named after Kaliбек Kuanyshbayev and adjacent to the "Nurly Zhol" train station.

However, the project's plans for the segment between the "Grand Victoria" and "Qazyna" residential complexes have sparked alarm. While the blueprints indicate new greenery, pedestrian paths, and fountains, residents have observed paving stones being laid where future pathways are expected. This development raises fears that access from their homes could be obstructed.

Botagoz Akhmetova, head of one of the residential complexes, has repeatedly raised these issues. "We see paving stones being laid where a road should be," she stated. "Two exits are planned from our complex, one leading to this alley. We wrote letters and attended meetings last year, but we were only reassured. It's impossible to walk on paving stones, and they wear out quickly. We need asphalt here."

The "Slanted Square" Controversy

Another area of contention is the "Slanted Square," which is part of the alley's planned route. This space is now being actively developed with residential buildings, despite being designated as a green zone. Residents are unhappy about the loss of recreational areas, lamenting the lack of places for relaxation and children's activities.

"When our buildings were advertised, they promised a large square," shared residents from "View Park." "Now, new houses are being built instead of the square. There are no other parks or embankments in this area. Where are we supposed to walk with our children?"

While the city administration's urban center has stated that public spaces, landscaping, and pedestrian paths will be preserved in the "Slanted Square" area, specific project details remain scarce.

Construction is also underway at the alley's terminus near the "Nurly Zhol" station, where a future square is being developed. However, the realization of the full six-kilometer alley remains uncertain.

This information was reported by the Infohub.kz news agency.