Yaroslavl tobacco factory redevelopment concludes; new openings planned
The owner of the former tobacco factory in central Yaroslavl discussed plans for developing this area.
The buildings of the former «Balkan Star» tobacco factory on Pobeda Street in Yaroslavl are being restored. The owner of the property, Roman Galagaev, shared with 76.RU what might appear in its place.
The plant was named «Balkan Star» in 1878 in honor of the victory in the Russo-Turkish War.
“We have about 700 jobs already opened. There are already productions working, various companies engaged in packaging and other tasks. They simply rent the premises,” said Roman Galagaev.
Roman Galagaev is one of the well-known Yaroslavl businessmen. He was a deputy of the Yaroslavl municipality and planned to run for the regional duma in 2023. But after a traffic accident when Roman in a Ferrari cut off an ambulance, the ruling party barred the businessman from participating in the preliminary vote.
Many in the city know the Galagaev family name. The head of the family, Vladimir Galagaev, is a major businessman and former deputy. He managed the Yaroslavl Silicate Brick Plant and headed the Yaroslavl Tobacco Factory. For several years, he was among the 500 richest people in Russia and was considered the wealthiest resident of Yaroslavl.
The businessman noted that in the near future, a chain grocery store is set to open on the first floor facing Pobeda Street.
“Service sector establishments will be opening. We are currently in negotiations. Part of the premises will be rented out as offices,” clarified Roman Galagaev.
Residential Complex Was Planned on the Factory Site
The tobacco factory was built in Yaroslavl back in 1850. It was founded by a peasant, Nikolai Dunaev from Uglich County. Production continued to manufacture tobacco in the center of Yaroslavl until recent years. The factory had been owned by the international British company Imperial Tobacco since 2008. However, the company could not withstand the rise in tobacco excise taxes and in 2017 closed down.
In 2021, the factory was purchased by the construction company «EKO,» which belongs to the largest Yaroslavl businessmen — the Galagaev family. In Soviet times, they already owned this tobacco factory, but sold it in 2004. At that time, with the proceeds, the head of the family, Vladimir Galagaev, built the «Ring Premier Hotel» on Svoboda Street, 55 in Yaroslavl.
After purchasing the factory, the Galagaevs considered various options for developing this property.
“Initially, we had the idea of building housing on this site [the factory site], but there were issues with height restrictions,” said Roman Galagaev in a conversation with 76.RU.
According to the project, on the site of the former «Balkan Star» plant, several residential buildings up to seven stories high, as well as cafes, restaurants, and a fitness center were supposed to be located. Even a development plan for the area was drafted. The work was handled by architect Maxim Atayants. However, the idea of residential development had to be abandoned.
Comprehensive Development of the Factory Territory
In 2023, at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Vladimir Galagaev signed an agreement with the Governor of Yaroslavl Oblast, Mikhail Evraev, on the comprehensive development of the territory of the former tobacco factory.
At that time, the regional governor noted that the facility would be restored with preservation of cultural heritage. Additionally, public, business, and residential facilities would be created.
