Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan today chaired a discussion regarding the urban renewal plan for Yerevan’s Firdus neighborhood.

Many in Armenia have criticized the plan, which dates to 2017, arguing that it will demolish the few remaining historic buildings in the Armenian capital.

Opponents also claim the plan is rife with violations, spurred on by questionable business interests working behind the scene

Hetq recently published an article on the issue: Yerevan’s Firdus District: A Shady Development Deal Under the Guise of Eminent Domain

The area slated for development, according to the government’s website, measures 58,000 square meters. 378 families have been compensated for their homes for a total of $60 million.

The project envisages undergroung parking.

The website says the entire project will cost some $300 million and that 8,000-10,000 new jobs will be created during construction.

The government press release does not explain how the estimated new job numbers were calculated.

The statement also says that the developers have promised to protect landmark structures in the area.