Vladivostok's beloved aquatic center faces demolition after 20 years of service

A long-running legal battle over an aquatic centre in Vladivostok has taken a new turn. The Primorsky Krai Arbitration Court ordered the demolition of GorodOK Aquatic and Wellness Center in late August 2024. Built without official permits, the facility now faces an uncertain future despite serving the community for years. The story of GorodOK began two decades ago when owner Zhanna Vasilenko secured a lease for a small plot. Originally meant for a temporary shop, the site gradually expanded into a two-story aquatic centre spanning nearly 1,000 square meters. Over time, it became a hub for swimming lessons, particularly for orphans, and employed over 30 staff, many supporting families with mortgages and loans.

In August 2024, Vladivostok’s mayoral office filed a lawsuit demanding the centre’s demolition. The city administration confirmed the building had no authorisation and no permits were ever issued. Despite this, Vasilenko and her team maintain their property rights are legally sound. The court ruled on August 27, 2024, that the structure must be torn down. Employees responded by recording a video appeal to the regional governor and collecting signatures from residents in support of saving the complex. City officials, however, dismissed claims that the site was being cleared for residential development. The next court hearing is set for May 2026, leaving the centre in limbo for now.

The demolition order remains in place, though the legal process will continue for nearly two more years. GorodOK’s staff and supporters argue the centre plays a vital role in the community. The final decision will determine whether the facility can remain or must be dismantled entirely.