Klitschko promised Klopotenko to announce a new auction for the lease of Zhytniy Market
21 March 2024 16:10
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko has said after a conversation with restaurateur Yevhen Klopotenko that the city authorities will cancel the auction for the lease of Zhytniy Market and give potential tenants time to prepare for a new one, Kommersant Ukrayinsky reports 
Klitschko stressed that the condition of the lease is to preserve the functionality and continue the work of the market. The requirements for the tenant include reconstruction of the covered building, including its roof, and repair of utilities.
“The city will extend the deadline for submitting applications for the auction, which is set by law to be 5 days during martial law. And now we will announce a new auction according to the legal procedure, for which potential investors will have the maximum legal period of 25 days before the open auction,”
– Klitschko wrote on his Telegram channel.
Famous restaurateur Yevhen Klopotenko clarified on Facebook that he had received a call from Klitschko, who was brief but effective.
“We have been heard! But we continue to keep the situation under control. Last night I received a call from Vitali Klitschko. I told the mayor the main questions of the community regarding the auction for the lease of Zhytniy Market. Klitschko promised that the auction would be cancelled today and at least two weeks would be given before a new one is announced,”
– klopotenko wrote.
He noted that the activists will insist on 30 days so that all stakeholders have time to prepare.
“In general, during martial law, such auctions can last from 5 to 35 days. I hope that the authorities will hear us and the timeframe will be extended to make everything transparent. I also raised the issue of tender conditions and requirements for the winner. It is important that the interests of the community are taken into account and clearly stated in all documents. This is what I will insist on!
– he explained.
What is known about the Zhytniy Market scandal
The National Electronic Exchange has announced an auction for the right to lease the capital’s Zhytniy Market. The relevant lot appeared on the exchange’s website on 18 March, and the auction will take place on 25 March.
The auction conditions state that the total area of the market is 11.1 thousand sq m. The starting price of the lot is UAH 2 million 475 thousand 710.59, which is the monthly rental price. The market is leased for 15 months. The tenant has no right to change the purpose of the premises. The ground floor will continue to be used for the sale of agricultural products and foodstuffs, while the first floor will be used for retail, restaurants and services to the public. The basement should remain a storage area.
The tenant may sublet the premises without changing the intended use. The tenant is also responsible for paying all utility and tax payments. The lessee is obliged to carry out major repairs and reconstruction of the building, including eliminating violations of fire and industrial safety rules. The tenant must start these repairs within the first six months of the lease, but the terms and conditions do not specify when the reconstruction should be completed.
The information about the auction caused a wide public outcry, as many concerned Kyiv residents believe that the iconic capital market is being destroyed. Famous restaurateur Yevhen Klopotenko, who has been actively involved in the development strategy for Zhytniy Market recently, believes that the buildings have long been prepared to play the role of another Kyiv market, Sennyi, which was destroyed for construction. Klopotenko has become one of those trying to save the market.
Zhytniy market
The Zhytniy market is considered to be the oldest market in Kyiv that is still operating. It dates back to the times of Kyivan Rus and has been one of the main centres of small-scale trade in the capital throughout its history. The market is a cult place for many Kyiv residents, especially those in the Podil neighbourhood where it is located. The current Zhytniy Market building, built in 1980, is considered a monument of modernist architecture.
the “problems” with Zhytniy Market began a long time ago. The market building had been falling into disrepair for decades, and the city authorities did not take the necessary steps to maintain it in good condition. This gave activists grounds to claim that the market was being prepared for transfer to a large business, and possibly for demolition for future development.
In April 2022, the tender for the lease of the market was won by Tangierin, a company owned by beer magnate Florian Bolen. The businessman planned to set up a food court and a beer pub on the second floor and undertook to reconstruct and overhaul the market. However, during the year of the agreement, he not only failed to start the repairs, but did not even pay the rent properly, according to market representatives.
In July 2023, the Antimonopoly Committee opened a case against the tender, suspecting its participants of collusion and distortion of the auction result.
Businessman and restaurateur Yevhen Klopotenko was one of the initiators of a broad discussion about the future of the market. In October last year, the market hosted a brunch with businessmen, activists, urbanists, Podil residents and the city authorities. As part of the initiative, Klopotenko and his associates were preparing a development strategy for Zhytniy Market, according to which it should retain its uniqueness as a place to sell seasonal and local products and a point of attraction in Podil, rather than turn into another shopping mall.
