Apraksin Dvor reconstruction

Yesterday opened exhibition of Chris Wilkinson (English architect) Making Buildings. It is his first exhibition in Russia. Citizens will see 15 wonderful architectural projects, including their models and drafts of famous architects’ work.
In borders of this exhibition will be represented competition project “Apraksin Dvor”. Chris Wilkinson said that it was one of his most difficult projects.
Apraksin Dvor – a destroying architectural ensemble in the center of St. Petersburg, which was a market for a long time. It is very difficult to restore it, because of its size, location and architectural importance. 2 companies - Glavstroi-Spb (in cooperation with Chris Wilkinson) and Renaissance Apraksin Dvor offered their projects of “Apraksin Dvor” reconstruction.
Chris Wilkinson proposed to restore the existing buildings and remove parking spaces from the nearby streets. He wants to create a glass roof over the central passage, using the latest technology. The architect also proposes to create a new street from the Fontanka River to the center of the complex and construct a new bridge.
Wilkinson wants to attract visitors, making Apraksin Dvor a place of huge interest. He already reconstructed and preserved such historic ensembles as Covent Garden in London, Les Halles in Paris and Soho in New York.
There are many disputes around this project, because the ideas of its reconstruction are challenging, pricey and difficult to realize. The tender requires minimum investment of $400 million, while Glavstroi-SPb has suggested investment of $1.15 billion. The results of the tender will be announced on Jan. 25.