Moscow news
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04-Mar-2008
Red Square Makeover
Red Square is to undergo major repair work later this year, the main bulk of which will be the replacement of all its paving stones. Although the president's administration is unable to say as yet how much time the renovation will take, it has promised that Moscow's main tourist spot will not be shut for very long. Repair works are set to begin after the Victory Day parade on May 9 to avoid further damage to paving stones by military equipment, Interfax reported.
Specialists are said to have attributed the worsening state of Red Square's paving stones to the melting of ice in spring and throughout the winter, as well as stiletto heels worn by many women, which are ruefully alleged to damage the surface of the paving.
"During the renovations Red Square will either be completely or partially closed to the public," Vladimir Kozhin, of the President's administration told Interfax. "Specialists are currently studying how and when the repair work on the square should begin. We do not want to close it for long."
According to the President's administration, the renovation of Red Square's surface will be carried out using the most up-to-date technology without jeopardizing its historical character.
Surprisingly, Red Square acquired its cobbled appearance only in 1804. Before that time, from the 16th Century onwards, the Square had always been covered in stone and dirt. Wooden planks were laid across the Square to facilitate the movement of animal-drawn carts.
It was only in the 1930s that the cobbles were changed for paving stones, which have since then been replaced and mended on various occasions.
As repairs on Red Square take place, new architectural features will be sprouting around the area. Construction work for a new multi-purpose complex, which will be dubbed "Kremlyovsky," opposite St. Basil's Cathedral is set to begin at the same time as Red Square's makeover. There are also plans to build a hotel at 5, Red Square, which would comprise 208 rooms, as well as an eight-story residential apartment complex with underground parking, Interfax reported.
The Moscow News