On Wednesday, July 30, the Zhytniy Market in Podil was designated as a "recently discovered cultural heritage site" in Kyiv. The order was signed by Marina Solovyeva, the head of the Department of Cultural Heritage Protection.
This information was shared on the KCSA website.
Solovyeva emphasized that this decision was made possible due to the efforts of activists, city heritage protectors, and the Advisory Council on Cultural Heritage Protection.
From now on, the Zhytniy Market is subject to the provisions of the Law of Ukraine "On the Protection of Cultural Heritage".
Saving the Zhytniy Market
In 2025, the Zhytniy Market will celebrate its 45th anniversary, during which there have been numerous proposals for its demolition. In January of this year, a project was registered in the Kyiv City Council proposing the sale of the Zhytniy Market.
According to the chairman of the Public Council at KCSA, Hennadiy Kryvoshey, the market's management has led it to financial losses over the past 15 years, and now, during martial law, they plan to sell it at a reduced price. Currently, this historic site requires major repairs to become profitable for the city.
For the past year, two parties have been fighting for the fate of the Zhytniy Market - restaurateur Yevhen Klopotenko and the investment company Inzhur.
As reported by the publication "Khmarochos", Yevhen proposes granting the market the status of an architectural heritage site to protect it from demolition. He also suggests creating a public organization that would involve experts and civic activists with the necessary experience to restore the Zhytniy Market.
Yevhen suggested conducting repairs in stages, without closing the building for extended periods, while still utilizing the premises for their intended purpose and continuing renovation work.
The company Inzhur has invested over 100,000 euros of its funds, collaborating with the international consulting firm Colliers to help formulate a revitalization concept and business model for the market. According to the Inzhur project, the exterior of the building will be preserved, but modern and energy-efficient materials will be used in the renovation.
