The capital renovation of Kazan courtyards under the "Our Yard" program has been completed by 90%.

      Ildar Metshin held an on-site meeting in the courtyard of the houses on Victory Avenue, where the courtyard area is being renovated for 1,400 residents.

      As part of the "Our Yard" program in Kazan, road works have been completed in 274 courtyards, and improvement continues in another 119 areas. The overall completion level of the program in the city has reached 90%. In particular, the courtyard of houses No. 56, 58, and 60 on Victory Avenue is being transformed. The area unites three nine-story buildings, home to more than 1,400 people. More than 540 meters of sidewalks and over 800 square meters of pedestrian paths will be laid, 40 modern lighting poles will be installed, five children's and sports playgrounds will be built, and the stage will be updated. The on-site meeting was conducted by the mayor of Kazan, Ildar Metshin.

      Photo: Denis Gordiyko

      "The former 'goat paths' have turned into well-maintained cobblestone walkways."

      "I remember this yard well. When I was a student, I lived in house No. 56. This is the second major renovation of the building in 35 years. But now, of course, the scale is completely different. It's great that the improvement is happening in dialogue with the residents. I know there are very active residents here, and there is always feedback. I hope that when we finish everything, you will actively use the yard and take care of this property," emphasized the city head, Ildar Metshin. The courtyard at the intersection of Victory Avenue and Richard Sorge Street unites three nine-story buildings, home to more than 1,400 people. Just a few months ago, this courtyard looked typical for old construction: worn asphalt, lack of lighting, broken sidewalks, and outdated play areas. This summer, the area is being transformed.

      Today, the project is 60% complete. More than 30 workers and five pieces of special equipment are involved on-site daily. The builders have already dismantled the old surface, replaced curbs, laid the lower layer of asphalt concrete, and started installing play complexes. Ahead is the laying of the final layer of asphalt, paving the walking areas with cobblestones, and installing small architectural forms.

      The key task of the project is to create a comfortable pedestrian environment. The routes of the new sidewalks, with a total length of over 540 meters, were designed taking into account the wishes of the residents. They will connect residential buildings with a kindergarten, school, and public transport stops.

      In addition, the builders are repairing over 4,300 square meters of intra-yard driveways, updating 3,300 square meters of existing sidewalks, and laying over 800 square meters of new pedestrian paths. The central walking route will be paved with cobblestones, making the yard not only convenient but also beautiful.

      "We have increased the length of pedestrian sidewalks by 540 meters. The former 'goat paths' have turned into well-maintained cobblestone walkways – just as the residents requested. The yard will be convenient for everyone: from toddlers to seniors. I remind you, 1,400 people live here – that's the population of a small town," noted Ildar Metshin.

      Special attention was paid to engineering solutions: the design took into account the local terrain features, solving the problem of flooding the green area during rains. Lighting will now appear not only along the driveways but also in the recreation areas, on children's and sports playgrounds. A total of 49 light fixtures will be installed.

      The updated stage will become a center of attraction for residents.

      The courtyard will feature five modern children's and sports playgrounds with play complexes and exercise equipment for residents of all ages. A workout area will be arranged for teenagers, and a table for teqball will be installed. This choice is not accidental: nearby is an open-type sports and health complex, and the microdistrict has long been considered one of the most athletic in the area. For the older generation, separate quiet rest areas with benches, canopies, and tables for board games will be arranged.

      One of the main problems of the residential area is chaotic parking, especially acute due to the proximity of the metro station. The improvement project addresses this issue radically: the number of parking spaces will nearly double – from 70 to 135. This will relieve the sidewalks and ensure safe pedestrian movement.

      An important element of the updated yard will be the new stage. The old one, which existed here before, had long been the center of yard celebrations, concerts, family events, and other gatherings of residents of the seventh microdistrict. However, its structure no longer met modern requirements. The stage will be completely updated: a reinforced frame and a more convenient design will be introduced. But the main thing will remain unchanged – it will retain its role as the center of public life in the microdistrict.

      After the construction is completed, the management company will plant lawns and flowers.

      During the inspection of the yard, Ildar Metshin spoke with residents of nearby houses. They shared what changes they expect after the improvement is completed.

      Resident Valery Grigoryev thanked the leadership of the republic and the city for the "Our Yard" program.

      "The repair is underway. The guys are doing great work. Thank you very much for the 'Our Yard' program, and special thanks to the leadership of the republic – there is nothing like this in other cities. If it weren't for you and your team, we probably wouldn't have such a yard," said Valery Grigoryev.

      Resident Oksana Zabirova from house No. 60 on Victory Avenue shared that additional parking spaces and safe pedestrian routes are especially important for the residents.

      "I want to say a big thank you for this program. First of all, the road has been widened, parking spaces will appear here, and people will be able to walk calmly and safely on the sidewalks. The new playground will be illuminated. It was good before, but there wasn't enough light in the evenings – the lights were only around the perimeter of the yard. Now light will appear in the center, so children can play here in the evenings, and grandmothers can rest peacefully," noted Oksana Zabirova.

      The transformation of the area is not limited to just the "Our Yard" program. The district is developing comprehensively. Last year, a major renovation of house No. 58 on Victory Avenue was completed. The next stage will be the renovation of house No. 60, with a comprehensive major renovation planned for 2028. Then it will be the turn of house No. 56 – its major renovation is planned to be completed by 2030. Thus, along with the improved yard, the entire residential block is gradually being updated.

      After the main works are completed, the management company intends to continue improving the area at its own expense. It is planned to restore lawns, plant flowers, update the rubber surface of the football field, tidy up the fences, and further green the yard.

      It is worth noting that in 2026, under the republican program "Our Yard," 104 courtyard territories will be improved in the Vakhitovsky and Privolzhsky districts of Kazan – this is a record figure for all six years of the program's implementation.

      Let us remind you that this year, yards around 420 houses, where 100,000 residents live, will be updated. The area of improved territories will exceed 600,000 square meters. Ildar Metshin noted that the "Our Yard" program continues despite challenges. "The President of the Republic of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, personally oversees the implementation of 'Our Yard,' and every week we report to him on the progress of the work," emphasized the city head.

      Last year, 466 yards were improved over an area of 600,000 square meters. The program, initiated by the President of Tatarstan, has been implemented for the seventh consecutive year. Taking into account the current year, within the framework of the program, the territories of 3,172 houses will acquire a modern look. This is over 4.2 million square meters of updated asphalt. About 700,000 residents will feel the positive effect of the improvement.

      Anna Sadaeva