Rye market in Kyiv.Photo: bigkyiv.
Historical significance and current situation
The Rye Market in Podil is one of the few examples of Ukrainian modernism of the 1980s that has survived to this day. Despite its cultural impact, the market does not have the status of an architectural monument, which makes it vulnerable to demolition or radical reconstruction. This fate has already befallen the Hay Market in Kyiv, which after privatisation turned into a residential complex, Time Ukraine Israel reports, citing Liga.net
Today, Zhytniy Market is in a state of disrepair. It is only 30% occupied, and over the past 10 years, losses have amounted to over UAH 5 million. The lack of investment has led to a deterioration in the building’s technical condition, although its frame and foundations are still in satisfactory condition.
Rye market. Photo: The Village Ukraine.
Two strategies: lease or privatisation
In July 2024, a working group of the Kyiv City Administration, headed by Valentyn Mondrievsky, proposed two solutions to the problem:
- The lease is for 30 years.
The tenant is to carry out major repairs, preserving the panel “From Varangians to Greeks” and architectural features. However, critics fear that the lease could be a first step towards privatisation. The legislation allows tenants to buy the property after investing 25% of its value, which creates risks of manipulation. - Privatisation through an auction.
This option has been proposed by some Kyiv City Council members, given the previous negative experience with leases. Privatisation through a transparent auction should protect against corruption, but leaves questions about the preservation of cultural heritage.
Criticisms and risks
The lease of Zhytniy Market has already shown its inefficiency. In 2022, the tenant company stopped making payments, which led to a lawsuit for UAH 4 million. The auction in 2024 also raised suspicions of non-transparency.
Privatisation, while seemingly more promising, could lead to the loss of the market as a cultural site if there are no clear guarantees for the preservation of its architectural authenticity.
Protected status as an alternative
Experts and urbanists insist on granting Zhytniy Market a protected status. This will protect the building from demolition and allow it to attract investment while preserving its unique architecture.
The experience of the Hay Market should be a lesson for the city authorities. Kyiv should do everything possible to avoid losing another architectural landmark and preserve Zhytniy Market for future generations.
