Dismantling of workshop No. 5 of the 'Bolshevik' factory
The dismantling of workshop No. 5 of the First Kyiv Machine-Building Plant, known as 'Bolshevik', has begun in Kyiv as part of the construction of a new transport interchange. This workshop is part of the factory, which was founded in 1882 by Yosyp Kryvanenko and Yakov Greter. Initially, the factory produced steam engines, and later equipment for the sugar industry. By 1915, it had become one of the largest enterprises in the Russian Empire. In 1922, the Soviet government nationalized the factory, and since 2018, it has been named 'Bolshevik'.
The dismantling of workshop No. 5 is associated with the construction of a new transport interchange near the Shuliavska metro station. The construction concept was developed back in 2017. In 2023, it was planned to spend 91 million UAH on dismantling, but the bidding was canceled. The cost of the work in 2023 increased to 121 million UAH.
Privatization and historical significance of the factory
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved the terms of privatization of the 'Bolshevik' factory in 2021, with a starting price of 1.39 billion UAH. At the end of February 2021, the Supreme Court returned the buildings of the 'Bolshevik' factory to the state. One of the activists noted:
“What the Luftwaffe and Russian missiles failed to do - is now happening at the initiative of the city authorities.”
The dismantling of workshop No. 5 of the 'Bolshevik' factory is part of a broader program for the development of Kyiv's infrastructure. The construction of a new transport interchange aims to improve transport accessibility and reduce traffic congestion in the area around the Shuliavska metro station. According to the plans of the city authorities, the implementation of this project could significantly change the transport situation in the capital. On the other hand, the historical significance of the factory and its architectural heritage raise concerns among the public and activists who advocate for the preservation of industrial architectural monuments. Thus, the issues of dismantling and privatizing the 'Bolshevik' factory are not only an economic but also a cultural challenge for Kyiv.