Modern Embankment and Greenery Planned for Novokuznetsk KRT

The «Levoberezhny» comprehensive territory development (KRT) project in Novokuznetsk is one of the most discussed and large-scale not only in Novokuznetsk but in all of Siberia. Its concept was approved by the government of Kemerovo Oblast — Kuzbass, and it is currently at the stage of detailing each point.

For the SD Group holding, the project«s creator, this is a real challenge, as it sparks lively discussions among Novokuznetsk residents, public activists, and opinion leaders. The reaction is polarized: on one hand, it is a very important story that will change the city for the better; on the other — there are a whole range of concerns and questions.

Answers to those causing the greatest resonance were provided by SD Group Communications Director Oleg Starostin.

— Oleg Vladimirovich, many fear that the «Levoberezhny» KRT will have little in common with the beautiful concept in the end. Is this really the case?

— First, I want to express gratitude to the residents of Novokuznetsk for their active position. In many ways, we are shaping the project«s content together, and it is very important for us to hear public reaction and to refine the project somewhere, making it better.

Regarding the question, it is important to understand the mechanism of comprehensive territory development: it is structured so that absolutely all declared works must be completed in full compliance with obligations. Any deviation or non-compliance with conditions at each stage of construction entails a series of consequences for the developer, including unilateral termination of the contract. This means that the project will be completed on time and with the stated quality, and for us, it is a challenge that, by overcoming, we can actually improve the urban environment.

— The question that worries Novokuznetsk residents perhaps the most: why is part of the plantings being demolished in the «Levoberezhny» KRT? Will the forest area disappear completely?

— We have approved a plan for large-scale greening of this location. In particular, the formation of public greenery elements is planned in the northwestern part of the designated territory, as well as in the central part — near the borders of blocks 01.01.03 and 01.02.01. The total greening area will be 3.88 ha, and it will be accessible to every resident and guest of Novokuznetsk. I will add that this is a maximally modern and diverse landscape, distributed over a much larger area compared to what exists now.

Demolition is occurring and will continue to occur in stages, not all plantings at once, as one might think. We have received the corresponding permission from the Novokuznetsk mayor«s office, recounted all the poplars, and agreed on compensatory greening of an equivalent scale so that the municipality subsequently has the opportunity to plant trees in this or another place.

Currently, this grove is effectively not a park or recreation area. But in the future, a developed embankment will appear here — a new space for all residents of Novokuznetsk, where citizens can walk, relax, and spend time outdoors. And the rezoning of the «green lungs» will allow starting the embankment development and expanding it up to 25 meters.

— Since we smoothly moved to the embankment — what awaits us?

— The embankment is a kind of visiting card of hundreds of cities across Russia, and the fact that Novokuznetsk doesn«t have one is unfair. The embankment is highly anticipated, and we as the developer are helping to turn the dream into reality, changing the city for the better. Under the KRT agreement, SD Group»s responsibility is to prepare the embankment concept project; it is currently undergoing multi-stage approval by the Kuzbass government and the Novokuznetsk mayor«s office and is at the final stage. The design stage means that the concept will still be adjusted and supplemented in accordance with the recommendations of authorities and thanks to the feedback we receive from city residents.

I will tell about what exists at the current moment. The territory will cover more than 6 ha, and the length will be 1.4 km. According to the plan, two pedestrian routes with convenient benches, a running and cycling track, as well as special platforms for holidays and events will appear here. For children, play zones for different ages will be equipped, and for sports enthusiasts — modern grounds. Special attention is paid to creating viewing platforms where one can enjoy panoramic views of the city and the Tom River.

— Can you now share details of the new hydraulic structure concept? What guarantees that construction will not lead to flooding of the area?

— The hydraulic structure project is being developed with particular care and attention to all safety aspects. The new hydraulic structure will adjoin the existing dam and form a single contour to protect the city and the new microdistrict; it is also necessary for creating the embankment — exactly as it was conceived at the concept stage.

The hydraulic structure project is at the final stage: the construct is developed, now, according to the concept, landscaping, elements of small architectural forms, a visitor center, and greening are being added to the project.

At the current moment, engineering and geological surveys have been completed, the results of which have been submitted for examination; based on the results of engineering surveys, constructive solutions and all necessary measures for protection against hazardous natural processes are being developed.

— A question about the quarter on the embankment. The first phase of its construction involves three 30-story apartment buildings. Based on what was the decision to build high-rises made? Can they even be built on this land?

— In fact, not 30, but 29 floors are planned. Indeed, this is above the current city limit of 25 floors, however, the issue of increased number of floors was discussed at public hearings and received approval. As for the risk of collapse, it is, of course, calculated by geologists in advance — at the project stage. Parallelly, urban planning, environmental, technological, and architectural solutions have been determined based on the mandatory design assignment.

The project fully reflects our reverent attitude towards family values and traditions. Apartment layouts are designed so that every family member enjoys living and wants to return home, and public spaces, infrastructure content, and yard improvements — so that adults and children can spend time diversely and everything is close by.

— And in conclusion, I want to ask about implementation timelines. When is the quarter on the embankment planned to be built, and when will we see the first house?

— I can say that approximately the first house of the project will be built by the end of 2029, and the entire first phase — by the end of 2030. And very soon we will be ready to announce the start of sales for the first phase of the project, which we will communicate additionally.

We are confident that step by step, within the agreed timelines, all tasks will be completed, and this means that residents of Novokuznetsk will be able to fully appreciate the transformation of the city«s architectural and aesthetic appearance.