Why New City Masterplans Matter

In a recent Uzbek podcast, Hakan Agca, CEO of Cross Works and Lead Designer of New Tashkent, joined Peter Margetts and Nurzod Nurali to discuss the role of new city masterplans, Cross Works’ involvement in New Tashkent, and the project’s progress as a major new city now under construction.

During the conversation, Hakan reflected on why new masterplans are essential in responding to population growth, urban expansion and the increasing pressure placed on existing cities. When the need for new development land is not properly planned, cities often become overcrowded, infrastructure struggles to keep pace, and unauthorised housing or uncontrolled sprawl can spread into surrounding landscapes.

Across the world, informal settlements, favelas, gecekondu neighbourhoods and shanty towns show what can happen when urban growth moves faster than planning systems are able to respond.

This is why new city masterplans and urban frameworks matter. They help cities plan ahead, coordinate infrastructure, protect surrounding landscapes and create better places for future communities.

In Uzbekistan, the government is demonstrating how new cities can be planned, designed and delivered at scale. Cross Works is proud to have been involved as Lead Designer of New Tashkent, also known as Yangi Toshkent, since 2023.