Two Dutch architecture studios and a Russian firm have won an international design competition to transform St Petersburg’s Vasilyevsky Island into a new leisure destination and commercial centre.

Rotterdam studios KCAP Architects & Planners and Orange Architects and local design company A-Len will collaborate on a 15 hectare urban plan for the island's western tip, which will act as an entrance point to the city from the water.

Golden Russian spires will sit atop modern high rises divided by time-honoured courtyards, as the architects seek to combine modern design concepts with aspects of traditional Russian architecture.

A waterfront park will be created so that visitors can enjoy panoramic views to the sea and city centre, which will feature restaurants, hotels and sporting facilities. Ice skating facilities will be available in winter and water sports will be available all year round.

“Our plan is a beautiful antechamber of the majestic historical centre of St. Petersburg,” said the Dutch designers – who entered the competition together – in a statement. “The site will evolve to create an expressive, recognisable and iconic image.”

The design contest was organised by Russian company Glorax Development and the municipality of St. Petersburg, who described it as “one of the most significant events in the architectural life of the city in recent times.”

Twelve design teams initially took part, with the Dutch bid eventually winning the contest. However, the organisers felt that fellow competitor A-Len had a better understanding of local urban planning standards, and so asked them to collaborate on the island project.

“It was important for us to ensure that the concept would enable the project to move ahead and, at the same time, would not bring about serious violations of existing standards,” said Vladimir Grigoriev, chair of the contest jury and chair of the Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture.

“A project of this importance requires the well-tested approach of European countries, so the ideas of different architects will be realised in one concept, creating synergy as a result.”

The beginning of the construction is projected for late 2016. The implementation of the entire project will take about eight years.