Court approves construction of "Putin Center" building near regional government
Yekaterinburg's October Square Building Staying Put: Habibullin Wins Legal Battle Against UGMK
The Sverdlovsk Regional Court has sided with entrepreneur Oleg Habibullin in the dispute with UGMK and the prosecutor's office over the construction project on October Square. The court examined expert opinions and concluded that the building is not in a catastrophic state and can continue to be used.
The final decision has been made, and the deadline for appeals has passed. UGMK's representatives declined to comment on our site.rU when contacted by a journalist.
Habibullin confirmed to our site.rU journalist that construction will continue. If quick connections to utilities like water and heat can be established - the building could be ready for occupancy by the end of the year.
"The legal process has been going on for five years. We've been through numerous expert analyses, which slowed down the construction. The court determined that the building is not in a catastrophic condition. We have an active building permit. We're almost done with the external part, and soon we'll begin network installation and interior renovations," Habibullin said.
Portions of the office complex will be allocated for "Museum of SVO" and "Putin Center." Artefacts from the zone of military engagement will be placed in the basement. Habibullin finds this simple explanation sufficient: to recreate the atmosphere of the special operation location. The exhibition will initially be temporarily housed in the Officers' House - the exact details are still being worked out. Habibullin wants to test "interactive technology" there before implementing it on the new site.
"Putin Center" will occupy two floors of the office complex. "There will be a clear and highly visual representation of the country's history over the years of Putin's presidency. What would have happened if not for Putin," the businessman explained.
The remaining eight floors Habibullin plans to lease for offices. He will select tenants through a competition. According to the entrepreneur, the concept of the Business Center aims to attract IT, scientific, and industrial companies.
"We don't have tenants yet," admitted Habibullin. "In uncertain circumstances - demolition or no demolition - such enthusiasm doesn't manifest itself in many companies. Currently, with court rulings behind us, and the building becoming legally clean, we hope for interest from potential lessees."
Habibullin to Save "Putin Center" from Demolition
Habibullin owns 75% of the 10-story building "A" of the former External Economic Activity Business Center, while OOO "Museum of SVO" owns the remaining 25%. Corporation "UGMK-Navigator," affiliated with Ural Mining and Metallurgical Company shareholders, owns buildings "B" and "V".
The holding demolished its portion of the business center and plans to construct a multi-purpose complex on the site. Habibullin decided to redevelop the dilapidated building, which sparked a disagreement between the owners.
Last summer, the court, based on the investigators' conclusions, allowed Habibullin to complete the building. Fearing that the construction project might pose a danger to the public, UGMK-Navigator filed a complaint. Lawyers from the company proved that the report contained contradictions and errors. In March 2024, the court ordered a second review and selected a Perma-based organization for the task.
Stay tuned for more updates on this intriguing legal battle and the development of the October Square building.
- In the ongoing business dispute, Habibullin's victory guarantees the survival of the October Square Building, making it a potential hub for IT, scientific, and industrial companies with the planned leasing of its eight remaining floors.
- The decision to save the October Square Building from demolition also secures the establishment of "Putin Center" and the "Museum of SVO" within, providing an interactive exhibit of the special operation location and a visual representation of Russia's history during Putin's presidency.
