In a significant development for Yakutsk, the project for the construction of a new 4-star hotel complex under the national brand COSMOS has received a positive conclusion from the Federal Autonomous Institution "Glavnoe Upravlenie Gosudarstvennoy Ekspertizy" (Glavgosekspertiza). The approval, granted on March 31, 2025, paves the way for construction to begin soon on Chernyshevskogo Street, where the hotel will occupy a prime location.
The hotel complex, designed to boast an impressive 13-story building, will cover a total area of over 9,000 square meters. According to Oksana Ponomareva, an expert from Glavgosekspertiza, the architectural design features a unique triangular layout with a rounded center, allowing for panoramic views of the Lena River from nearly all guest rooms. This design not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the structure but also ensures that it stands out in the landscape of Yakutsk.
The hotel will offer 148 rooms of various categories, including five specially designed for guests with limited mobility. In addition to accommodation, the complex will include amenities such as conference halls, meeting rooms, a restaurant, and a gym, catering to both leisure and business travelers. The project is being realized as part of the national initiative "Tourism and Hospitality," which aims to boost the tourism sector in Russia.
Yakutsk, known as the only major city in the world built on permafrost, presents a unique opportunity for tourism development. Tatyana Malashina, Deputy Head of the Service of Chief Experts of Glavgosekspertiza, emphasized the importance of this project, stating, "With the active development of domestic tourism, the object is especially awaited in the republic." This sentiment reflects the growing interest in Yakutia as a destination for both local and international tourists, eager to experience its extreme temperatures and natural beauty.
However, the project has not been without controversy. Residents of neighboring homes have voiced their concerns regarding the construction, claiming that the new hotel will block sunlight and disrupt their living conditions. Complaints have also been raised about the use of adjacent areas for heavy construction equipment, with fears that these spaces may be repurposed for parking hotel visitors, further encroaching on residents' quality of life.
Despite these objections, the developers, OOO SDK "Tsentr," which is part of the RIK Group and collaborates with the Cosmos Hotel Group, remain optimistic about the project's potential impact on the local economy and tourism industry. The hotel is expected to accommodate nearly 300 guests, thereby creating jobs and boosting local businesses.
As the construction process gets underway, stakeholders will need to address the concerns of local residents to ensure that the project proceeds smoothly and benefits the community at large. Balancing development with the needs of existing residents will be key to the success of this ambitious hotel project.
In conclusion, the approval of the COSMOS hotel project marks a pivotal moment for Yakutsk, promising to enhance the city’s hospitality offerings while also igniting discussions about urban development and community impact. As the hotel prepares to welcome its first guests, it remains to be seen how it will integrate into the fabric of this unique city and what measures will be taken to mitigate local concerns.
