Ogre will restore the historical center | Municipality of Ogre region

​Restoration of Independence Square

Independence Square is designed as a multifunctional square. It will include a digital fountain as an ensemble of sculptural formations depicting the most important stages of the restoration of Latvia’s independence from 1918 to the present through the prism of the region, including celebrating the most important personalities of Ogre region in the context of the development of Latvian history.

In addition to the fountain ensemble, it is planned to create digital projections on the square, with the help of which important events, people and the independence of Latvia in general will be celebrated. All historical events have come about thanks to selfless and noble people. The course of life of each of these people can be symbolically marked by a line that starts somewhere, then follows its own path and can be both straight and winding. It inevitably intersects with other people’s life lines. Someone has them whiter, someone darker. We are as different as our lives are.

The concept of the surface of the square will be created, inspired by the flow of the Daugava river, which symbolically marks the past, present and future lines of the course of time, while also symbolizing the course of human life. This linear motif, as well as the motif of the ripples of the Daugava water, is planned to be reflected in the pattern of the pavement, supplemented with linear and point-like light elements.

Creation of the Freedom Road exposition

The building on Brīvības street 2 will experience changes, which together with the square will form a single ensemble, placing the exposition of Brīvības road in the building.

At the council meeting of April 25, 2024, it was decided to define this investment project as priority. The premises of the building will be adapted to the needs of the Ogre History and Art Museum, by placing a permanent museum exposition on the tragic and at the same time the most significant events of the twentieth century – the Freedom Struggle and the Latvian Legionnaires’ Struggle, as well as allocating space for exhibitions and school classes. Applying modern exhibition arrangement techniques will create a broader picture of the mentioned historical events, the daily life of soldiers, volunteers and supporters.

Construction of a playground and parking lot

As part of the second round of the project, it will be carried out construction of a playground and parking lot Brīvības street 3. Magnificent rose greenery is planned around the parking lot. It is planned that the parking lot will serve both future public facilities and existing ones, such as the Zemgale District Court and the State Police.

The theme of roses is also planned to be brought to life in the construction of the playground. Its concept was created by studying the shapes, colors, details and fauna of the park’s roses, which fit into and inhabit the world of roses.

The goal of the playground is to create an aesthetically attractive, original, artistic environment, so that this place is interesting enough for families with children, as well as for every resident or guest of Ogre. It is planned to be equipped with sensory activities, a small carousel in the shape of a flower, with musical instruments of different types and intensity placed next to it. Swings, trampolines and elements of spheres, as well as a sandbox will be integral components of the playground. The central area will be dedicated to active activities, which will include a slide, various steps, ropes, baskets and stairs. The playground area is mainly planned to be covered with rubber.

Creation of musical theater

The former Ogre People’s House at Rīgas Street 15 will undergo major changes, which, by rebuilding the existing building and acquiring a new extension, will turn into musical theater. In the 1920s, public funds were donated for the construction of the former Ogre People’s House building, and in the 1980s, during the Revival, the red and white flag was hoisted on it. Although this building is not a cultural monument, it is older than 50 years, it has not undergone significant reconstructions and it forms an environmental peculiarity of Ogre region. Such buildings have the status of a protected historical building by the binding regulations of the municipality of Ogre region, and it is important to preserve the value of this historical building. By rebuilding the interior of the existing public house, the architectural accents of the existing building – the roof towers – will be preserved and, without changing the simple historical image of the building, the overall functional logistics of both buildings will be improved.

The new building of the musical theater has more than 600 audience seats, a stage, public rooms, a cafe, warehouses and technical rooms. On the other hand, the current Ogre People’s House building will house the administration, rehearsal halls and dressing rooms. The building will have an oval shape that echoes the first letter of the name of the municipality. The construction of this theater will be a great benefit not only for the people of Ogre and Latvia, but will also attract the attention of the European and even wider society.

In order to start the implementation of the construction project, it is necessary to cut down some trees, which has already been started public discussion.

Project development and author supervision – SIA “CMB”.

Reference – the images are illustrative in nature, details may change during the implementation of the project.