"Reconstruct, not demolish": former mayor Vadim Bulavinov on the fate of "Vodnik"

      September 29, 2025 12:57 Society NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" - Polina Zubova

      Former mayor of Nizhny Novgorod and current State Duma deputy representing the region Vadim Bulavinov spoke about the situation surrounding the "Vodnik" stadium. He believes the facility should be reconstructed rather than demolished. He said this at a press conference on September 29, which was attended by a correspondent from NIA "Nizhny Novgorod."

      "My opinion differs slightly from the official one. I think the stadium should be preserved. Yes, it needs to be put in order, the administrative building is quite old and dilapidated, but building more residential blocks on the site of the stadium, in my view, is wrong. We need to find a way to reconstruct it and preserve this area," the parliamentarian noted.

      It should be noted that earlier false images circulated on the Internet showing multi-story buildings next to the new football field. The Agglomeration Development Institute of the Nizhny Novgorod Region explained that these renders are not related to the real project. The development of the master plan is ongoing and is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

      According to preliminary information, a sports and recreation complex is planned for the site of "Vodnik." The project may include a covered ice arena, a year-round football field, and sports grounds.

      Talks about the future of "Vodnik" have been going on for more than 15 years, but decisive action was taken only this year. The stadium was declared unsafe, and access to its territory has been closed since August 29. It later became known that there are plans to demolish 14 permanent buildings on its site.

      As Bulavinov said, during his time as mayor a project to reconstruct the stadium was considered. At that time, the idea was discussed to build a new building in place of the old one, improve the surrounding area, restore the football field, and create an underground parking lot that could solve the shortage of spaces for nearby residential buildings. It was expected that a private investor would be involved in the project.

      Recall that the closure of "Vodnik" provoked a mixed reaction among local residents, so in September a public council for the stadium was formed, headed by Natalya Sadova.

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