Khrushchev-era buildings to be replaced by new generation monolithic and panel structures in Moscow

The new buildings will have modern lifts, large halls and entrance halls comfortable enough for parents with prams and people with disabilities.

Residents of rundown five-storey buildings will move into new comfortable homes. Khrushchev-era buildings will be replaced by new generation monolithic and panel structures. «The buildings will provide a new level of comfort. There will be good modern lifts and bright halls, outfitted to meet the needs of people with limited mobility, that is, people with disabilities, mothers with prams and pensioners,» Sergei Sobyanin told journalists.

Nearly 1.6 million residents of buildings scheduled to be demolished are eligible for new housing. Those who have been put on the waiting list will be given flats in line with the social norm of living space. The Moscow Mayor explained: «Judging from our previous resettlement practice, sometimes we had to offer a swap of two or even three flats. This is what we will have to do this time as well. If a person who is on the waiting list refuses our offer for any reason, he/she will be resettled in line with the same procedure as for the rest of those who are to be resettled. If he/she accept our offer, such a person will be given new housing in line with the norms meant for those who are on the waiting list so as not to be forced to resettle two times.»

The rest of the citizens will be provided with flats with a living space equal to that of their current property. Most importantly, non-living space in the new buildings is usually larger than that in the Soviet-era houses. Sergei Sobyanin noted: «I used to live in a Khrushchev-era building myself and I know very well what sort of bathrooms, kitchens and halls these buildings used to have. This sort of accommodation is no longer built. All these are now much larger and more comfortable, due to which the total area turns out bigger than in a Khrushchev-era apartment.» The quality of the flat will be completely different as well.

The cost of a new dwelling will be higher than in a Khrushchev-era building. «When a person moves into a new flat, the value of their dwelling increases by 30–35 percent. Individuals should understand that their flat is more expensive. This gives a sense of more financial stability,» Sergei Sobyanin added.

The new programme for upgrading the Moscow housing stock will possibly include up to 7,900 five-storey buildings. The old buildings lasted 50–60 years, while the service life of the new ones will be at least 100 years.

Original article