Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –
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As part of his working visit to the Krasnoyarsk Krai, Deputy Prime Minister and Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District Yuri Trutnev held a meeting on the implementation of the Norilsk renovation program. The event took place at the "Bashnya" (Tower) Community and Cultural Center, one of the city's renovation program facilities.
"In 2021, the Government approved a comprehensive city development plan developed in accordance with the President's directive. The plan aims to address issues such as reducing dilapidated housing, modernizing utility infrastructure, and improving living conditions for those working at this strategically important enterprise. The majority of the plan's funding—approximately 70%—is to be provided by Norilsk Nickel. Five of the 18 measures have already been implemented: six apartment buildings have been constructed, soil thermal stabilization has been carried out under several buildings, and 11 housing and utilities facilities have been renovated. Another 13 measures are underway. At today's meeting, we will discuss the plan's progress, as well as issues related to federal budget funding," Yuri Trutnev opened the meeting.
According to Alexey Chekunkov, Minister for the Development of the Far East and Arctic, the total budget for Norilsk's comprehensive development plan through 2035 is 120 billion rubles, of which 24 billion is allocated by the federal budget, 14.7 billion by the Krasnoyarsk Krai, and 81.3 billion by Norilsk Nickel. Norilsk Nickel is also implementing a number of related socially significant projects in the city (the Sulfur Program, Clean Norilsk, and digitalization) totaling over 240 billion rubles.
According to the head of the Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East, Norilsk's main life support problems are related to extreme climatic conditions: the service life of buildings and structures is significantly reduced. The situation is further complicated by the loss of permafrost soils' load-bearing capacity under the influence of both natural and anthropogenic factors. Extensive work has been done to thermally stabilize the soil beneath residential buildings and public facilities, and the utility system is being reconstructed.
As part of the comprehensive plan, a fire station was built in the Oganer district, a social welfare facility was overhauled, and a 236-child kindergarten was overhauled (completed one year ahead of schedule). 1,412 certificates were issued (from all funding sources) for the resettlement of residents to areas with favorable natural and socioeconomic conditions. As part of the housing renovation program, the first six modern apartment buildings were commissioned in late 2024, comprising over 14,000 square meters of comfortable housing (299 apartments). Resettlement and demolition of 20 dilapidated buildings, including unfinished ones, were completed. Along with the housing renovation, over 9,000 square meters of courtyards and over 10,000 square meters of public spaces were improved. Work continues on social facilities (a clinic in the Talnakh district, a school, a kindergarten) and a security facility (a hydraulic structure on the Norilskaya River).
A key part of the city's renewal is the modernization of the city's transportation system. This includes upgrading the bus fleet (the new vehicles are custom-made and can operate reliably even in extremely low temperatures) and installing modern heated bus shelters. Today, Norilsk has 121 heated bus shelters, equipped with a 9 kW air curtain, heated benches, and mobile phone chargers.
Norilsk Mayor Dmitry Karasev noted: "Over the years that we've been implementing the comprehensive plan, Norilsk residents have seen the city change for the better. After all, it was their opinions that formed the basis for it. The work we're undertaking is a true example of public-private partnership: we're building new housing and social facilities—kindergartens, a school, and a clinic. Achieving these ambitious goals requires coordinated work, constructive dialogue, and a responsible approach. I'm confident that together we can achieve significant success in Norilsk's development and make it a city we can all be proud of."
The symbol of the renovation is the opening of the "Tower" social and cultural center in 2025. This multifunctional, all-season social and cultural center is a symbol of the city's development. Its opening followed a large-scale renovation of the building. The work was funded by Norilsk Nickel as part of the implementation of the comprehensive plan for the socioeconomic development of Norilsk through 2035. The 1951 building has been carefully restored using archival drawings, preserving the spirit of the scientific and technical library. It houses more than 20 spaces, including a coworking area, a lecture hall, a café, a space for ceremonial and official events, an exhibition and recreation space, a meeting room, and a children's play area. The most beautiful and iconic part of the "Tower"—the seventh floor—with panoramic windows offering magnificent views of Lake Dolgoe, Mount Schmidt, and the city, is accessible to all visitors. The building itself shapes the appearance of the city's historic district. As one of Norilsk's calling cards, the Tower combines historical architecture with modern development trends.
According to Nikolai Utkin, First Vice President and Head of Government Relations at Norilsk Nickel, the renovation of Norilsk is essentially a pilot project that has already become a model for public-private partnerships in developing complex Arctic territories. "Thanks to cooperation with the government at all levels, this remote Arctic city is becoming a place where people want to live and work. A true symbol of the renovation is the 'Tower'—a public space we opened this year, a magnet for all city residents. We intend to continue developing Norilsk hand in hand with our partners," he noted.
The long-term development plan for the Norilsk-Dudinka agglomeration, approved by the Government on October 27, 2025, along with other long-term comprehensive plans for key settlements in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, was also discussed.
"The document, developed at the President's request for the development of the Norilsk-Dudinka agglomeration, calls for the implementation of more than 30 measures by 2035 in areas such as the development of housing and utilities infrastructure, transportation, healthcare, and education, as well as ensuring comprehensive and environmental safety. Implementation of the plan's measures will provide additional impetus to the region's socioeconomic development and will improve the lives of nearly 200,000 people," said Yuri Trutnev.
The long-term development plan for the Norilsk-Dudinka agglomeration includes 31 measures. Among them, 15 (48%) are in the areas of culture, sports, and education: the construction of a boarding school in Dudinka, major renovations of the Norilsk College of Industrial Technology and the Taimyr College, and the creation of an ice sports facility in Norilsk. Another nine measures (29%) are aimed at developing public infrastructure. Norilsk's wastewater treatment facilities and Dudinka's drinking water supply systems will be reconstructed. The implementation of four measures (13%) aimed at creating healthcare facilities will improve environmental safety. A first-aid post will be built in the village of Khantayskoye Ozero, and unauthorized landfills will be eliminated.
"It would be much fairer if the assessment of the implementation of the two large-scale plans being implemented here were given not by me, but by the people who live here, who agree or disagree with the way Norilsk is developing. Overall, I can say: work is progressing. Projects that should have been implemented have been started and are being carried out. At the conclusion of the meeting, I thanked Norilsk Nickel's management. The company has assumed a significant portion of the master plan's funding. This is justified, as the majority of Norilsk residents work at the company's facilities. For its part, the Government is taking all necessary measures to improve life in Norilsk. All planned work will be completed," Yuri Trutnev concluded.
That same day, Yuri Trutnev visited the B.I. Kolesnikov Nadezhda Metallurgical Plant in Norilsk, Norilsk Nickel's largest and most high-tech division, employing approximately 2,500 people. The Deputy Prime Minister also toured the operations center of Norilsk Nickel's Polar Division. The center serves as the command and control center for all production processes in the Norilsk Industrial Region, from ore mining to product shipment, and provides the divisions with the necessary resources. The permafrost monitoring system is also located here.
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