Prosecutor Probes TsUM Reconstruction Before Expertise

The prosecutor«s office for the Central District of Volgograd has started an inspection of the reconstruction of the Central Department Store (TsUM) building. The reason for this was the performance of work on the TsUM building before the act of state historical and cultural expertise (GIKhE) of the project was published, which was amended after the emergency condition of the structures in the historic part of the building was discovered.

Recall that in early July, on the website of the Committee for State Protection of Cultural Heritage Sites of the Volgograd Region, an act of state historical and cultural expertise concerning the adjustment of the project and working documentation for the reconstruction of the Central Department Store appeared. The adjustment, taking into account defects found during work on the building, was estimated at 20 million rubles ($222,200 at current rates), and the documentation was to be ready in 8 months — in December of last year.

The project for the preservation and adaptation of the cultural heritage site provides for the installation of temporary elements to unload the basement, after which temporary wall bracing elements will be installed and their structures reinforced. Then workers will completely dismantle the roof, floors, and columns, partially dismantle the brick walls, and install everything new. The floors are also to be completely replaced following the columns. Meanwhile, despite the lack of an expert opinion, work in the Central Department Store building continued.

The prosecutor«s office for the Central District of Volgograd, after an appeal from the V1.RU editorial team, began an inspection of compliance with legislation in the area of procurement for state and municipal needs concerning the reconstruction of TsUM. Results are expected to be reported by mid-August 2026.