Will the "Stalinki" buildings in the center of Bishkek be demolished? - Deputy

At an extraordinary meeting of the Committee of the Jogorku Kenesh on industrial policy, transport, the fuel and energy complex, architecture, and construction, held on December 26, deputy Gulya Kozhokulova raised a question about the possible demolition of "Stalinki" in the center of Bishkek and plans for the construction of new multi-story buildings. During the meeting, the committee reviewed the city’s master plan project until 2050.

The chief architect of the master plan project, Irina Grishechkina, who is also the deputy director of the Research Institute of Prospective Urban Development in St. Petersburg, explained that high-rise buildings are not planned for the city center, as historical sites are located there. These buildings are in a protected zone, which requires the preservation of the architectural appearance of the area, implying that only low- and mid-rise buildings should be constructed.

Kozhokulova noted that the Museum of Military Glory was demolished at the intersection of Moskovskaya and Logvinenko, and new construction is underway in its place. In response, Bishkek's vice-mayor Azamat Kadyrov stated that he was not aware of the height of the new structure, but he promised to provide a written response on this matter.

"This is the center of Bishkek. How could you allow the construction of such objects? There is a whole complex there," Kozhokulova expressed her dissatisfaction.

The first deputy head of the State Enterprise "Bishkekglavarhitektura," Aziret Akimov, explained that the development in this area was approved by the current master plan and had been reviewed by the city council. He added that in the new master plan, instead of the old 3-4 story "Khrushchyovkas" and "Stalinki," the construction of mid-rise buildings is planned, which can reach up to 9 stories if the owners decide to carry out renovation, and only with their consent can the old buildings be demolished.