The former head of Odesa’s Department of Culture has criticised a businessman who damaged a listed building on Flotskyi Boulevard

The damaged section of the building on Frantsuzsky Boulevard in Odessa. Photo: DABK

Ivan Liptuha, former head of the Odessa City Council’s Department of Culture, has criticised the actions of the company KAPLOR 7 Ltd, which damaged an architectural monument on Flotsky Boulevard in the historic centre of Odessa.

He wrote about this in a Facebook post.

The building in question is the administrative block of a former brewery, which has the status of an architectural monument of local significance and has been under state protection since 1985. Demolition of the building began on 10 March using heavy machinery.

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Ivan Liptuha claims that the company wants to change the land’s designated use to allow for a 15-storey residential development.

«The destruction of the monument in this context does not appear to be negligence, but rather a deliberate clearing of the site for commercial development. This is a glaring case. But it is not unprecedented. And that is precisely why it is worth clearly explaining how the protection system works — and who bears responsibility at every level,» he wrote.

The official stressed that such actions constitute a breach of the law, as any work on cultural heritage sites requires approval from the relevant authorities. Furthermore, the building is located within the buffer zone of the UNESCO World Heritage Site «Historic Centre of Odesa», which imposes additional restrictions on development.

He noted that evidence regarding the destruction of the site has already been handed over to law enforcement agencies.

Moreover, during a meeting of the Odesa City Council’s executive committee, the imposition of financial sanctions and the possibility of reviewing the terms of the land lease through the courts were discussed.

«This is the institutional response that should be and is being given. The system is working. The question is how quickly and how consistently the law enforcement agencies will act,» stated Ivan Liptuha.

He also emphasised that responsibility for the preservation of monuments lies with the state, not with international organisations.

«It is the responsibility of Ukrainian law enforcement agencies to halt illegal works, initiate proceedings and bring those responsible to justice,» he noted.

The former official also addressed business owners in all cities, stressing that they have no right to circumvent the law.

«This is not specific to Odesa — it is the reality of any city on the World Heritage List. The destruction of monuments is unacceptable. Regardless of who carries it out and under what pretext — commercial or ideological,» he stressed.

It should be recalled that a few days ago in Odesa, over a hundred people took part in a protest near the damaged architectural monument at 10 French Boulevard. Meanwhile, the regional prosecutor’s office has opened a criminal investigation.