Sports complex opens in St. Petersburg's Assay Chamber

The new sports complex has begun operations on the embankment of the Griboyedov Canal in St. Petersburg. It is located in the restored building of the Assay Chamber, which was previously in ruins.

On January 22, the facility was visited by Governor Alexander Beglov and Presidential Assistant Nikolai Patrushev.

According to Beglov, the city administration successfully solved a dual task: creating a modern sports facility and preserving an architectural monument.

«In the central part of St. Petersburg, it is not easy to find land for such a multifunctional complex. The example of the Assay Chamber building speaks to the correctness of the path we have chosen,» said Alexander Beglov.

Nikolai Patrushev, who in the past studied at the nearby Lyceum No. 211, expressed gratitude to the authorities and builders.

He noted that until recently, the building was in a deplorable state.

All restoration work was carried out under the strict supervision of the city committee for the protection of monuments.

The sports complex offers a variety of opportunities for activities:

• two pools — a 25-meter swimming pool and a separate one for rowing;
• gym halls for swimmers and rowers;
• halls for martial arts and general physical training.

The building is fully adapted for visitors with limited mobility.

Up to 360 people can visit the complex daily.

The facility has been named after Alexander Sokolov, a hero of the Great Patriotic War and a master of sports in swimming.

In 1942, despite being wounded, he managed to swim across the icy Neva River.

The historical building of the Assay Chamber was demolished in 2008, with only the facade preserved. For a long time, there was an abandoned pond on this site. Later, a decision was made to adapt the structure into a modern sports center with swimming and rowing pools.