UK to spend $3.4 million on revamping Yangon streets
A book seller arranges books at his sidewalk bookshop along Pansodan Street in Yangon. (Ye Aung Thu / AFP)

Two prominent streets in Yangon are set for a major makeover.

Pansodan Street and Kyun Taw Road will be redesigned under a US$3.4 million project funded by the UK government.

One of Yangon’s most famous streets, the bustling Pansodan runs south from the railway station to the river, while the more suburban Kyun Taw starts from Bagaya Street near a fun stretch in Sanchaung and goes north to Nar Nat Taw Street.

The project—named Myoe Lann Thar—aims to bring much needed green spaces, recreation areas, better parking and easier access for pedestrians and cyclists.

“I am delighted that the UK will be using its expertise in urban development to help Myanmar’s cities grow sustainably, for the benefit of all local communities,” said British Ambassador to Myanmar Dan Chugg.

“We hope this project can act as a model for the future of Myanmar’s cities, and will demonstrate how urban development can go hand in hand with social inclusion and environmental sustainability.”

Consultations will also be held with local residents, businesses and street users before implementing the project, according to the UK embassy’s press release.

It will focus on benefit all communities, including people with disabilities, women, girls and those of all ages, stated the embassy.

The engineering and consultancy firm, Mott MacDonald, will lead the project with a team of local and international specialists working in close collaboration with Yangon City Development Committee and other government partners.