Tram Depot No 5 in Riga was built between 1900 and 1910 to a design by architect Paul Mandelstam. Over the years, the depot has been adapted to new needs and tram types. The existing building is now outdated and more modern conditions are needed to maintain the low-floor trams. A new depot is therefore being built to replace the old one.
About seven years ago, a survey was carried out in this depot to determine what should and should not be preserved. And now, when Rīgas Satiksme rebuilds the depot, it has to take this into account.
This means that the remaining structures from the early 20th century must not be demolished. They will be incorporated into the shell of the new building.
Janis Golubevs, Member of the Board of Rīgas Satiksme, said: "All these walls that are visible at the back are not being demolished, but they will be preserved in their original form. As for the demolished objects, those buildings that have been demolished and those parts of the building that have been glued on during the Soviet times are without any cultural or historical significance. And in their place, new buildings will be built that meet modern requirements so that we can operate low-floor trams in Depot 5."
The National Heritage Office has also given its approval for this type of building, stating that it inspects the site from time to time to determine whether everything is being done properly with regard to the historically valuable parts of the building.
The new tram depot will cost Rīgas Satiksme more than €30 million. The company said that construction work could be completed by the end of next year or early 2026.
