Contemplating the still surface, have you ever wondered about the history of Petrovsky Pond? It is located on Petrovsky Island in St. Petersburg. The island itself boasts a rich and varied past. We are standing near the heart of Petrovsky Island.
Petrovsky Island is bordered by the Malaya Neva, Malaya Nevka and Zhdanovka Rivers. These rivers form a delta of the Neva River. The island’s history stretches back to the early 18th century.
Originally, the island was known as Stolbovy or Pattisaari. In 1710, it became the property of Tsar Peter the Great. This is where the name “Petrovsky” originates. Peter the Great had two amusement houses built here.
Throughout the 18th century, Petrovsky Island served as a storage area. Warehouses held foodstuff and other goods. In 1768, a wooden palace was constructed for Catherine the Great. Around the palace, Petrovsky Park was established in the southeast of the island. Sadly, the palace burned down in 1912.
The island transformed in the second half of the 19th century. Industrial enterprises began to appear. Among them were the Novaya Bavaria Brewery, rope works, and curtain and lace manufacturing.
In 1924-25, Lenin Stadium was erected. It stands in the southeastern extremity of Petrovsky Island. Today, it is known as Petrovsky Stadium. Another significant institution is the St. Petersburg River Yacht Club. Established in 1860, it occupies the western spit of the island.
Petrovsky Prospekt is the main road. This thoroughfare runs through the island. Petrovsky Island is connected to neighboring islands by several bridges. The Bolshoy Petrovsky Bridge links it to Krestovsky Island. The Betancourt Bridge connects it to Dekabristov Island. And the Maly Petrovsky Bridge provides access to Petrogradsky Island.
Herzog & de Meuron created a masterplan for the whole island. It covers an area of 125 ha. The plan includes luxury housing, commercial spaces, and public facilities. The masterplan aims to solve industrial pollution. It also wants to accentuate the island’s main asset, water.
The formation of five new marinas is part of the plan. This will ensure disposal of contaminated land. The radical alteration of the island periphery is inspired by the dynamic change of the island waterfront through the last 300 years. The continuous undulating periphery will be the main spatial feature of the island. It will provide a strong overall character. It will create a unique experience of the Neva river.
The masterplan proposes two new city icons at the edges of the island. The reconstructed Petrovsky Stadium will be transformed into housing, fitness, spa and recreation centre. The new Baltic Marina Gate will include apartments, a luxury hotel, conference facilities, restaurants and a sky bar.
The heritage buildings form an important historical link within the radical transformation of Petrovsky Island. The structure of the Petrovsky Stadium will be kept even if it will be transformed and the Petrovsky Park will be preserved.
So, as you stand here by Petrovsky Pond, remember its journey. From royal residence to industrial hub, it continues to evolve. The pond offers a tranquil escape amidst the ongoing transformation of Petrovsky Island.