Moscow Unveils Ambitious Mega-Construction Plans

On December 24, Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin delivered his annual report to the Moscow City Duma, outlining the city's economic achievements and future construction plans. The report highlighted significant growth in 2025, with investments reaching 9 trillion rubles and the city attracting 26.5 million tourists.

Sobyanin noted that Moscow has secured the second position globally in terms of economic size, trailing only New York City, and has created 2 million new jobs since 2010. Looking ahead, the mayor promised a new wave of mega-construction projects. The city administration has already developed 400 new projects aimed at creating 70 million square meters of property. These developments are planned to be implemented through the 'renovation of depressed territories' rather than on the city outskirts.

The annual report presented by Sergey Sobyanin provided a comprehensive overview of the capital's financial health. The city has successfully attracted massive capital inflows, with investments hitting 9 trillion rubles in 2025 alone. This influx of capital has been accompanied by a surge in tourism, with 26.5 million visitors choosing Moscow as their destination.

Economic metrics indicate a robust expansion of the city's market. A significant milestone was reached as Moscow moved up to become the second-largest economy in the world, positioning itself just behind New York City. This growth is also reflected in the local job market, where the city has successfully generated 2 million new employment opportunities since the start of 2010.

Looking toward the future, the mayor outlined a strategy for extensive urban development. The administration plans to launch a series of mega-construction initiatives designed to significantly expand the city's infrastructure. Preparations for this expansion are already well underway, with the city hall having finalized 400 new projects for development.

The scale of these planned developments is substantial, covering a total of 70 million square meters of real estate. The mayor emphasized that the city intends to prioritize efficient land use in its development strategy.

In a key statement regarding the implementation of these projects, Sergey Sobyanin clarified the geographical focus of the upcoming construction boom. The city administration intends to avoid expanding into remote areas, stating the projects will not be located "on the outskirts" (or 'vyezdkah').

Instead, the strategy will rely on the "renovation of depressed territories". This approach suggests a focus on revitalizing underutilized or neglected areas within the existing urban landscape to accommodate the 70 million square meters of new property.