Green Transition and Urban Requalification: Cost and Benefit Analysis of an Integrated Urban Project in Paskuqan

This study examines the economic, social, and environmental impacts of a potential urban renewal 111 project in the Paskuqan area, a potential inter-municipal development zone in suburban Tirana. Part of the municipality of Kamëz (Albania), Paskuqan has emerged as a rapidly growing suburban area over the past decade. Previously marginalised, it is now undergoing a significant transformation driven by public and private investments. The area extends along the banks of the Tirana River and is adjacent to Paskuqan Lake, presenting a unique opportunity for urban renewal. This involves enhancing infrastructure to reduce pressure on the city centre by encouraging a more polycentric growth pattern and improving connectivity to peripheral areas. The proposed requalification project aims to develop a green corridor along the river and the surrounding lake, establishing an essential ecological and recreational public space that enhances the quality of life for existing and new communities, promoting wellbeing and resilience. This study employs a simplified Social Cost-Benefit Analysis (SCBA) as an exploratory ex-ante planning tool to qualitatively evaluate the project’s expected costs and benefits within a conceptual methodological framework. Due to limited data availability, the SCBA is applied at a conceptual level (qualitative), without calculating the quantitative viability indicators. Nevertheless, the transition to a more sustainable urban environment through integrated place-based urban projects is anticipated to alleviate the adverse effects of rapid urbanisation and foster green transition. While focused on an Albanian case, the findings contribute to broader discussions on integrated urban planning and green urbanism in transitional city contexts.