Yury Gradov may become the scientific director of the reconstruction of the "Proryv" complex

The Honored Architect Yuri Gradov may become the scientific supervisor for the reconstruction of the "Proryv" (Breakthrough) memorial in the Ushachi district. The complex requires serious repairs. Notably, Gradov was originally the author of this monument, which was opened more than 40 years ago.

Yuri Gradov is also known for his work on major projects such as the "Katyusha" in Orsha, the Trinity Suburb in the capital, and the "Zvezdochet" (Stargazer) in Mogilev. He was one of the authors of the "Khatyn" memorial.

Yuri Gradov announced his agreement to become a scientific consultant for the team that will undertake the renovation of "Proryv" at a reconstruction headquarters meeting held recently in Ushachi:

- I believe this is a logical decision. After all, no one knows this complex better than I do and can better warn modern specialists against any unnecessary elements. I am confident that we will work well with the professionals from the "Vitebskgrazhdproekt" institute, who have already begun creating the reconstruction project. A similar reconstruction was carried out in "Khatyn" at one time. Now it is the turn of this ensemble, which is significant for our heroic partisan republic.

Vasily Makarevich, who was the chief project engineer for the "Proryv" memorial in 1974, also came to Ushachi:

- Any wall requires major repairs after 40 years. And here we have a monument exposed to all winds, standing in rain and snow. Of course, it needs to be modernized in accordance with current requirements. As for the authors who worked on the creation of "Proryv," there should have been four of us here. But, unfortunately, our colleagues, sculptor Anatoly Anikeychek and architect Leonid Levin, are no longer alive...

At the headquarters meeting, it was emphasized that the reconstruction of "Proryv" cannot begin until the project for its protected zone is completed and approved by the Ministry of Culture. Work on this project has already started.

Specialists from the Vitebskgrazhdanproekt institute presented the reconstruction design project to those gathered. It includes the arrangement of additional paths for excursions and a parking lot, modernization of the Eternal Flame and the bases of the slabs bearing the names of fallen partisans, installation of decorative lighting, placement of lanterns and flagpoles, as well as new green spaces.

According to Alexander Atyasov, Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Council of Deputies, who led the headquarters' work, the first stage of reconstruction is scheduled to begin in June. This will involve replacing the internal metal structures of the ends of concrete blocks that overhang the passage to the 7-meter bronze figure of a partisan. The second stage is the reconstruction of the partisan figure itself. The enterprise "Tekhnolit-Polotsk" has been involved in its examination. Their recent works include monuments to the heroes of 1812 in Polotsk and Prince Algirdas in Vitebsk. Finally, the third stage of reconstruction is the landscaping of the territory. All work is planned to be completed within 2015-2016.

Sergey Golesnik, SB Belarus Segodnya