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How can historic industrial sites be redeveloped while preserving their value and connection to local communities? In an interview with Moskovskaya Perspektiva published on September 8, Sergei Georgievskii, Co-founder of the Agency for strategic development "CENTER", proposed an approach to the redevelopment of Elektrozavod and outlined strategic challenges facing Moscow. These include competition for human capital, reindustrialisation and the preservation of urban identity.

According to Georgievskii, the transformation of historic buildings must take account of their architecture, established surroundings, recognisability and cultural life. Even where a building has no protected status, demolition is not necessarily the most effective option. Preservation and adaptive reuse can provide the foundation for an economically viable project.

For Elektrozavod, Georgievskii proposes a redevelopment master plan with a mixed-use strategy. This document should identify which elements are valuable, what can be reconstructed and adapted to new uses, and where new construction would be appropriate.

“In my view, Elektrozavod needs a redevelopment master plan with a mixed-use strategy: identifying what is valuable, what can be reconstructed, what can be adapted and where additions can be made,” said Sergei Georgievskii.

He advocates involving urban planners, architects and heritage specialists in developing these proposals. A transparent economic model, a clear presentation of the strategy and an understanding of residents’ views are equally important. This approach helps account for a place’s public value and reduce conflict during redevelopment.

Moving beyond individual sites, Georgievskii considers the capital’s future. He highlights competition between Moscow and the Moscow Region for residents, skilled professionals and new manufacturing facilities. Infrastructure upgrades alone, however, cannot create a lasting connection between people and their city. Traditions, continuity and residents’ willingness to participate in urban life are also essential.

“The more people identify with their city, the more willing they are to take responsibility and share its values,” he emphasised.

Georgievskii identifies integrated territorial development as one way to improve the quality of the urban environment. In his assessment, it helps reduce disparities between districts and create balanced infrastructure provision. However, such projects must avoid reducing development to standardised construction.

Moscow’s future development depends on finding a balance between construction, heritage preservation and a stronger urban identity. In Georgievskii’s view, master planning and engagement with residents can connect the transformation of individual sites to this broader objective.

Read the full interview on the Moskovskaya Perspektiva website