Krasnoyarsk Unveils $65 Million Youth Center to Foster National Values and Patriotism

Officials in the Krasnoyarsk region of Siberia have announced the establishment of a youth center with a budget of $65 million, aimed at fostering patriotic education and government-endorsed values among young Russians.

As detailed in a recent government tender, the facility, referred to as the «Youth Palace,» will be constructed in a square near the Yenisei River within the city of Krasnoyarsk.

The regional administration is currently inviting proposals for this 5.2 billion ruble initiative, with construction anticipated to commence in 2026 and conclude by October 2028.

This center will serve as a key site for the Movement of the First, a youth organization supported by the Kremlin, which was established by presidential decree after Russia’s extensive military campaign in Ukraine.

The initiative aims to engage youth in state-backed volunteer activities while advocating for what President Vladimir Putin has termed «traditional Russian spiritual and moral values.»

As per the former leader of the organization, it received over $190 million in government financing in 2023.

The Youth Palace is planned to consist of two structures covering almost 30,000 square meters. One of the buildings will include a concert hall, exhibition areas, coworking spaces, and training facilities focusing on first aid, financial literacy, and intercultural dialogue.

The other structure will house laboratories for media, IT, automotive design, and renewable energy, as well as classrooms dedicated to drone and robotics training programs.

Additionally, plans include a three-story training complex, accommodations akin to a hotel, and an outdoor «Patriot» park that will offer areas for walking, extreme sports, and military-themed activities.

Funding for the project will come from regional budget subsidies, with the approval of the federal government.

Putin personally endorsed the proposal in March during discussions with Krasnoyarsk Governor Mikhail Kotyukov, who described the center as a venue «focused on patriotism» that aims to «nurture the ideas of young talents.»

Originally, the site was designated for a contemporary art venue known as the Pozdeev Center and a new campus for the regional Choreography College.

However, both projects were canceled after a local court annulled their contracts due to discrepancies in the bidding procedures. The land was repurposed for youth development in September 2024.

According to local news outlet ngs24, submissions for the construction tender will remain open until August 13.