Russian Officials See Azovstal Site Becoming a Technopark in Mariupol
The plans to repurpose the remains of the Azovstal metallurgical plant in Mariupol into a modern technopark were confirmed by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin. The announcement signals a shift from reconstruction to an innovation-driven project that could reshape how the area is used in the long term, according to state sources and industry observers. The decision comes amid ongoing demining operations and a broader strategy to rehabilitate critical industrial sites in the region for future economic activity. [Source: DEA News]
Khusnullin explained that the rationale behind establishing a technopark at Azovstal rests on the site’s substantial metal reserves and the need to manage post-conflict recovery efficiently. He noted that while Azovstal contains hundreds of thousands of tons of metal, any plan for the area must account for substantial demining and clearance work. Once the land is deemed safe, a comprehensive cleanup and restoration program will follow, entailing a multi-billion ruble investment to bring the complex back to productive use. The deputy premier stressed that the financial requirements are sizable and that a technopark would provide a coherent framework to maximize the site’s value for research, manufacturing, and technology-driven enterprises. The message underscores a long-term vision: transform a legacy industrial facility into a hub for innovation and collaboration that can attract investment and talent. [Source: DEA News]
Speaking at the Russia-Islamic World forum, Khusnullin noted that the demining work remains a priority and that the eventual layout and development schedule for the Azovstal technopark would be clarified once the area has been cleared. The timing of the completion of demining will influence the subsequent design phases, funding decisions, and partnerships with national and regional bodies. The approach emphasizes safety and sustainability, aiming to create a space where technology startups, research institutions, and established manufacturers can coexist and thrive. [Source: DEA News]
In related remarks, Oleg Morgun, who previously served as the mayor of Mariupol, floated a possibility for the plant’s site. He suggested that a workshop dedicated to producing rails and beams could operate within the Azovstal complex, leveraging existing industrial know-how and infrastructure. This proposal aligns with the broader plan to repurpose the site for productive, job-creating activity, while also honoring the region’s industrial heritage. The vision remains contingent on demining progress and the availability of funding, but it signals a pragmatic approach: gradually unlock the site’s potential through targeted investments that support infrastructure, manufacturing capabilities, and research-enabled enterprises. [Source: DEA News]