The embankment of the port canal open to the public

The Commercial Canal intersects the centre of Liepāja connecting the Baltic Sea and Lake Liepāja. For many decades during the times of the Soviet Union the embankments of the canal could not be entered by Liepāja citizens - it was a fenced-in territory of the port governed by the Soviet navy.

Annual Līvas Fair in the Promenade. The former closed port territory has become an attractive and accessible public space.

After Latvia regained its independence in August 1991 the Port of Liepāja was gradually converted for the needs of cargo transport, logistics, warehousing, off-shore fishing and other port businesses. Also, the interests of citizens were considered. The down-town side of the Canal, now called the Promenade, has drastically changed overthe last 20 years.Today, it hosts a yacht marina and the fish market. It is becoming a popular venue for cultural and entertainment events in spring and summer. Throughout the year local people and city guests are welcome at the bars, restaurants and clubs located along the Promenade. It is open and accessible for a stroll to anyone and at anytime of the day or night. This is a place in Liepāja which confirms that good ideas always come true.

The changes were done in close cooperation of the local government, the Liepāja Special Economic Zone Authority and private companies who decided to invest in the area.

In 2011 a new Master Plan of Liepāja will be adopted. Already during its elaboration, the city, port authorities and citizens have agreed that the Promenade area of the Commercial Canal embankment will not be the territory of the port. It will enhance implementation of new functions of this public space. The City Council has taken over from the national government three buildings in this area which need to be renewed. Two of those build ings will be used by Liepāja Museum, that planned to open a Fishery and Maritime Museum, to make displays of amber collection, expositions of textiles and art. There will also be an open-air exposition of ancient tools and items characterizing local fishery and maritime traditions. The revival of the Prom enade - the waterfront of the Commercial Canal in Liepaja continues.