The First Site-Scale Urban Transformation Started in Beykoz

The first site-scale urban transformation work was implemented in Beykoz district of Istanbul. Demolition works have started for the transformation of existing buildings consisting of 6 blocks and 115 independent sections in Özakademi Site located in Çiğdem District. Özakademi Site, which is the first urban transformation application implemented on a site scale in Beykoz with the agreement of the rights holders, aims to build safer, more durable and modern buildings instead of the existing buildings.

According to the statement made by the municipality, the program was attended by Istanbul Provincial Director of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, Dr. Maliki Ejder Batur, Beykoz Deputy Mayor Özlem Vural Gürzel, AK Party Beykoz District Chairman Özkan Ayduğan, deputy mayors, council members, headmen, contractor company officials and site residents attended.

A new step in the transformation process of Beykoz. While the Tokatköy Urban Transformation Project carried out by TOKİ in Beykoz has been implemented as the first urban transformation application in the district, the works carried out by the Urban Transformation Directorate of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change continue in Çubuklu B Region. Following these works, Özakademi Site is important as it is the first example in Beykoz of the transformation process carried out by citizens with their own will on a site scale.

Speaking at the program, Beykoz Deputy Mayor Özlem Vural Gürzel drew attention to the importance of the transformation in the site for Beykoz. Gürzel said, "The transformation of Özakademi Site, consisting of 6 blocks and 115 independent sections, is of particular importance to us as it is the first urban transformation application implemented on a site scale in Beykoz. The old and risky buildings here will now be replaced by safer, more durable and more livable structures."

Emphasizing that urban transformation requires sensitivity, especially in terms of reconciliation and bureaucratic processes, Gürzel said that Beykoz Municipality is following the process closely to pave the way for the beneficiaries and speed up the transactions.

Stating that the important stages under the responsibility of the municipality were completed in about 4 months, Gürzel said, "We completed the inspections of the buildings, took risky building decisions, carried out the evacuation processes and issued demolition permits. We did our part to pave the way for our neighbors and finalize the transactions as quickly as possible."

Significant convenience in license fees Stating that Beykoz Municipality provides a significant convenience in accelerating the transformation process as well as reducing the financial burden of the beneficiaries, Gürzel said, "In addition to the exemptions provided by the law, with the decision taken by the municipality, the new building area, which is up to one and a half times the risky building area, is exempt from building license fees. In the case of Özakademi Site, this practice means exemption from license fees in a building area of ​​approximately 19 thousand 500 square meters."

Gürzel, who hopes that this step taken in Özakademi Sitesi will be an example for the buildings awaiting transformation throughout Beykoz, said, "For us, urban transformation is not just about demolishing old buildings and building new ones. The main issue is that our neighbors can live peacefully in safe and solid homes."

Speaking at the program, Istanbul Provincial Director of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, Dr. Maliki Ejder Batur also drew attention to the earthquake reality in Istanbul and said that urban transformation should be accelerated. "We need to improve our bad building stock as soon as possible, knowing that we live in an earthquake zone," said Batur, adding that urban transformation is not a process that can only be carried out with legislative regulations; He stated that it is important for citizens to compromise and for local governments to take an active role. Batur said, "If our municipalities are not involved in this issue, if they do not take responsibility, let's regulate the legislation we want, pass the law we want, these are not tasks and transactions that can be easily implemented without the unanimous decision of our citizens."

Özakademi Site Cooperative President Erdal Uzuner said that the demolition of the houses in which they had lived for years brought sadness and joy together for the residents of the site. "I have very different emotions today. I am both sad and happy," said Uzuner, stating that they have accumulated many memories in old buildings over the years, expressing that they are happy that the buildings will become safer and more modern, and thanked those who contributed to the transformation process.

Following the speeches, demolition work of the buildings in Özakademi Site was started.