Vladyslava Molchanova's controversial development in Kyiv's protected zone

Kyiv residents were shocked by news of potential development on the territory adjacent to the Hryshko Botanical Garden. 

As established by the State Audit Service, the National Academy of Sciences signed an investment agreement providing for the construction of residential and non-residential buildings on protected land.

Who is Vladyslava Molchanova?
Vladyslava Molchanova is one of Kyiv's prominent developers and the owner of the Stolitsa Group of companies. Among her most notable projects are the "Warsaw Quarter" residential complex, the "Retroville" shopping centre, and the controversial development in Osokorky, which was accompanied by environmental protests. This is reported by the Antikor publication.

Previously, a fire broke out on the territory adjacent to her construction site, and environmental activists suggested that the developer was involved in the arson. Despite this, Molchanova denied the accusations, and the issue gradually dropped out of the public agenda.

What is planned to be built?
According to journalistic investigations, one of the companies in the Stolitsa Group owns the project to build a multifunctional complex on the territory of the Main Astronomical Observatory of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine in the Holosiivskyi district.

The facility will be located on a plot of land at 27 Akademika Zabolotnoho Street, near the Holosiivskyi Forest. The plot, where the "Century-old Oaks" protected area was previously established to protect unique trees, is planned to be used for the construction of the SPAce complex, covering an area of 21,251 square metres.

Connection to Vlada Molchanova
According to the registers, the company LLC "Freds Resorts", responsible for the project, is managed by Vladyslava Molchanova's sons. The company was registered in 2018, and its activities are closely linked to the developer's other projects.

When were the permits issued?
The Main Astronomical Observatory received urban planning conditions for reconstruction and new construction less than a month after the start of the Russian Federation's full-scale invasion. 

The document allowed for the construction of administrative, hotel, health resort, and other buildings. A key point is that the plot is located within the nature reserve fund, making the project highly controversial.

Changes to urban planning documents
In August 2023, amendments were made to the urban planning conditions, which, however, did not change the essence of the project. The documents were approved by the Department of Urban Planning and Architecture of the Kyiv City State Administration.

How did the observatory obtain the land?
The observatory obtained the right to use the land plot in 2021 with the approval of the Kyiv City State Administration and Mayor Vitali Klitschko.