Volgograd Probes Central Department Store Reconstruction

In Volgograd, the Central District Prosecutor«s Office is conducting a probe into the reconstruction of the Central Department Store building. The trigger was work that was carried out at TsUM before the official publication of the state historical and cultural expertise act (Gosudarstvennaya istoriko-kulturnaya ekspertiza — GIKÉ). The document concerned the adjustment of the project after the discovery of the emergency condition of the structures in the historic part of the building.

In early July of this year, the act of the GIKÉ was posted on the website of the Committee for State Protection of Cultural Heritage Sites of Volgograd Region. It reflected the adjustment of the design and working documentation for the reconstruction of TsUM. The refinement of the documentation considering the identified defects was estimated at 20 million rubles (approximately $222,200 at current rates), and was planned to be completed within 8 months — by December of last year.

The project for the preservation and adaptation of the cultural heritage site includes several stages: installation of temporary unloading elements in the basement, then temporary bracing of walls and reinforcement of their structures. After that, a complete dismantling of the roofing, floors, columns, partial disassembly of brick walls, and subsequent installation of new elements is provided. A complete replacement of floors is also planned. However, despite the lack of an expert conclusion, work in the building continued.

The prosecutor«s office launched the probe after media reports. As part of the supervisory measures, compliance with legislation on procurement for state and municipal needs during the reconstruction of TsUM is being assessed. The results of the probe are planned to be announced by mid-August 2026.