The historical Kresty complex turned 134 years old

Today, the legendary "Crosses" turn 134 years old. For more than a century of history, the complex on Arsenalnaya Embankment has repeatedly witnessed the most important events of the country. This year has become one of the most fateful for Krestov.
The state historical and cultural expertise, which was conducted from April 14 to July 1, 2026, has been completed. Based on the conclusions of the KGIOP experts, the investor will carry out a project to restore and adapt the historical buildings of the Crosses for modern use.
The KVS group of companies has developed a new concept for the development of the complex: the former detention center will become a modern public space open to residents and visitors of the city. Projects in the fields of culture, creativity, gastronomy, and education will be developed here.
Already today, the project has become one of the most discussed urban initiatives, bringing together architects, historians, representatives of creative industries, and businesses. Many residents and visitors of the city were attracted by the opportunity to visit the complex as part of guided tours conducted since March 2026, however, in September, Kresty will close its doors to begin preparations for the most important stage — redevelopment.
The implementation of the concept will breathe new life into the Kresty complex: it will transform from a monument of the past into one of the largest and most ambitious investment projects in modern Russia.
It should be recalled that at SPIEF 2026, an agreement of intent was signed between St. Petersburg and KVS-Arsenalnaya LLC to implement an investment project to adapt the Kresty cultural heritage site for modern use.
For reference:
In 2023, at the SPIEF, St. Petersburg entered into an agreement of intent with the state-owned company DOM.Russian Federation" on the transformation of the Kresty property complex.
In 2025, the KVS group of companies became the owner of Krestov following an auction organized by DOM.RF.
In February 2026, the complex of buildings of the former Kresty pre-trial detention center in St. Petersburg was entered into the Unified State Register of Cultural Heritage Sites (UOC) as a regional landmark.