Sakai will be developed on an 8.3-hectare site located on K. Jelskio Street. The neighbourhood will be built in phases, featuring two blocks—one positioned near the river and the other closer to the forest. The first block of 306 apartments will be constructed along the Neris River, with 10 low-rise buildings spanning an area of 4.63 hectares.
Sigita Survilaitė, CEO of Darnu Group, says that Sakai is designed for buyers who wish to experience the full benefits of nature while maintaining the connection with the city's vibrant pace. She notes that the development of this new neighbourhood will prioritise durable and sustainable construction and urban planning, guided not only by the company's principles but also by the distinctive natural surroundings of the project. This project aims to attain BREEAM New Construction Excellent certification, making Darnu Group the first developer in the Baltic countries to receive this recognition in the residential category.
„There are very few unique and strategically advantageous locations left in the capital where large-scale, comprehensive real estate projects can be developed. Our goal here is to create an oasis that captures the essence of a resort. The project's concept is inherently influenced by the nearby Neris River and the Karoliniškės Landscape Reserve. We will develop meticulously planned infrastructure that promotes a high quality of life both inside the homes and in the surrounding areas. Residents will have access to everything they need to enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle, providing a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city,“ says Darnu Group's CEO.
She noted that the project has generated significant interest from buyers, with over 1,600 inquiries received before the construction even began.
In the first phase, apartment prices will vary from €4,000 to €6,800 per square metre in 3– to 4-story buildings. Darnu Group will offer 1– to 4-room apartments, all featuring balconies or terraces, ranging in size from 33 to 148 square metres. Many of the apartments will offer views of the Neris River or the Karoliniškės Reserve. Some of the apartments will be available for sale fully furnished.
The construction of the first block, Upė, will feature a central district square that includes 900 square metres of commercial space intended for eight businesses. Additionally, there will be 43 covered garages, 142 storage units, and an underground car park with 360 spaces, including 68 designated for electric vehicles. The project will also feature communal bicycle storage facilities.
Focus on nature, services, and recreational infrastructure
Sigita Survilaitė says that, in developing the Sakai project, the company will prioritise ensuring that residents can fulfil as many of their needs as possible without having to leave the area. To this end, the company is creating a comprehensive recreational, sports, services, public amenities, and transport infrastructure. Nearly half of the riverside block, spanning 2.16 hectares, will be open to the public. „We want the local communities and Sakai visitors to enjoy leisure facilities, walking trails, and thoughtfully landscaped areas,“ says S. Survilaitė.
The first phase will feature playgrounds, recreational areas equipped with deckchairs, and sports courts. It will also incorporate a central, open neighbourhood square that includes benches, greenery, a bike path linked to the urban network, and a fountain. The commercial space adjacent to the square will house cafés, bakeries, and various service businesses catering to the residents and visitors of the neighbourhood.
In this phase, Darnu Group will renovate and reconstruct K. Jelskio Street from its intersection with Parodų Street to its intersection with Šaltūnų Street. This will enhance access to the city's main arterial roads for local residents and improve road quality for those using alternative modes of transport.
Nearly 60% of the riverside area is set to be landscaped, totalling 2.74 hectares. The project will incorporate perennial herbaceous and medicinal plants, along with trees, shrubs, and a variety of fruit trees, enhancing the existing lush vegetation.
Construction of the second Sakai block near the Karoliniškės Reserve is expected to begin in the first half of 2025. This phase aims to construct nearly 400 additional apartments, finish the reconstruction of K. Jelskio Street, enhance the bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, and provide a broader array of services, including a kindergarten. The entire project is set to be finished in 2027.
