The international importance of Vilnius has been recognised by its inclusion on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. The Old Town of Vilnius will be safeguarded, revitalised and developed as the most important site of the Lithuanian heritage of history, town planning, architecture and culture. Vilnius Old Town must be an inseparable and integral part of the capital of Lithuania featuring ethnic tolerance, standards of democratic life, and maturity of its civic society. The Old Town should become a living exemplar of these aims, symbolising both the history of Lithuania and the resurgence of Lithuania as an independent State.

These aims can only be achieved if the Old Town develops into a vital civil community with a buoyant economy. It should retain the traditional mix of capital city functions – the seats of government and finance, together with national religious, cultural and educational buildings – set in a matrix of dwellings housing a substantial residential population supported by shops, schools and other local services.

These functions, all of which exist or are developing in the Old Town at the moment, should be intensified by restoring to use derelict and empty structures, and by infilling vacant sites resulting from demolition after the Second World War with well designed new buildings.

In addition the unique urban form of the Old Town – the remnants of fortifications, narrow medieval streets, the scale and detail of the buildings – must be respected and enhanced, with tight controls on traffic and parking, and extended pedestrianised areas. The growth of economic activity and prosperity may provoke conflicts between competing functions. Whilst tourism and recreational uses may be important levers for economic development, they must not be allowed to dominate the Old Town. The Municipality will require to take the initiative and give a clear lead in managing the revitalisation programme, working in close collaboration with the local business and residential community. Heritage preservation and the needs of residents must be balanced with those of businesses and visitors. This management will best be achieved through a dedicated independent local agency bridging public and private interests, and by appropriate mechanisms put in place to resolve the differences of interest in an equitable and transparent manner. Through this process the local community can be encouraged to take an active role in the future development of the Old Town.