The Minister of the Russian Federation for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic, Alexey Chekunkov, arrived in the Murmansk region on a working trip. The visit began with a visit to the Regional Management Center, where the head of the Federal Department was presented with the concept of the New Murmansk Project. It provides for the creation of an international cultural and business center on the site of a former ship repair plant. The project implementation tool will be a master plan developed by specialists of the Strelka Design Bureau.
Alexey Chekunkov supported the idea, noting that the implementation of the project will improve the quality of urban space, increase economic activity and further expand the tourist potential of the North.
"I think that in 5 years we will be able to see everything we are talking about here, created from stone, metal and glass. This is a real project that you can put on schedule and get to work. We are determined to move forward with this region. All the resources that are needed from the federal executive authorities and development institutions, we will, of course, apply to this, " - said the Minister of the Russian Federation for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic Alexey Chekunkov.
In his response, Governor Andrey Chibis thanked the Minister for his full support. Earlier, the initiative of the Government of the Murmansk Region to modernize the industrial territory was highly appreciated by the VEB.RF Group. As part of the signed agreement, a scenario for the development of the territory of the former marine fleet ship repair plant has been developed today, and a master plan will be created on its basis.
"I am grateful to Alexey Olegovich for supporting not only the project of transforming the city of Murmansk, but also for decisions related to public investment. If the government understands why it is doing this, sees it as a long-term demand and payback-this is absolutely the right approach. We very much hope that we will implement this project together, " said Andrey Chibis.
New Murmansk, according to the governor, is important not only for improving the quality of life of northerners, it is of great federal and international importance. Potential investors, including representatives of an international hotel chain, spoke at the meeting. During the video call, Accor CEO Alexis Delaroff and InterContinental Hotels Group CEO Alexis Feya noted the great tourism and business potential of the Kola Arctic region and expressed their readiness to work together.
"I really appreciate the start of my trip. I have already instructed the Ministry to speed up the work to ensure the most effective use of the Arctic Concession mechanisms in the Murmansk Region, " Alexey Chekunkov concluded.
In addition, during the working trip, the head of the Ministry of Regional Development of the Russian Federation was told about the work of the Regional Management Center, one of the main tasks of which is to monitor and promptly work out the messages received from the northerners. At the bilateral meeting, the Governor Andrey Chibis and the Minister of the Russian Federation for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic Alexey Chekunkov discussed issues of socio-economic development of the Murmansk region and the results of the operation of preferential regimes in the Russian Arctic.
For your reference:
The project "New Murmansk" provides for the renewal of the industrial territory in the regional center. On the site of the ship repair enterprise, it is planned to create an embankment that will cover the current marine station and the square in front of it, as well as a modern public space with an Arctic museum, apartment hotels and a gastronomic cluster. The concept also includes the reconstruction and improvement of the surrounding areas, which include one of the city's business cards – the railway station.