Yerevan's historic neighbourhood faces major redevelopment amid resident scepticism

A historic neighbourhood in central Yerevan, Noragyugh, is set to undergo one of Armenia’s largest urban redevelopment projects in decades, according to plans unveiled by the city authorities.

At a recent cabinet meeting, Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan outlined a proposal to transform an 83.9-hectare area into a new residential district. The project envisages the construction of about 155 high-rise buildings designed to house around 65,000 people, with an estimated 2–2.5 million square metres of built space. Officials say the development will also include expanded green areas, while revenues from the project would fund the reforestation of 250 hectares of the Dalma Gardens and the clean-up of Yerevan Lake.

Residents whose homes fall within the redevelopment zone have been promised compensation equivalent to the market value of their property plus an additional 30%.

However, many long-term residents remain unconvinced. Speaking to Panorama.am, locals voiced doubts that the plans would ever be fully realised, citing decades of unfulfilled promises.

“We’ve heard this kind of talk many times, but nothing has changed,” one resident said, describing poor living conditions and water damage in older homes. Others noted that while some homeowners with dilapidated houses may welcome the move, those who have invested heavily in renovations are reluctant to leave.

Another resident, who has lived in Noragyugh for more than 50 years, acknowledged daily hardships but said it was hard to imagine leaving a place tied to a lifetime of memories. “We’ve been here for 60 years. It all sounds good on paper, but it never becomes reality,” she said.