Andriy Gavrinov, director of the construction company Kyivtransbud, said All Retail about the construction of the Green Gallery shopping center, the first large shopping center built in Ukraine during the war.
The project, which took a year and eight months to complete, was a significant challenge for the builders. The work started in December 2022 and January 2023, after the dismantling of the previous building (the "New Line"). The war had a significant impact on the timeline, complicating the supply of materials and the retention of skilled personnel.
The biggest challenge was to retain a highly professional team. The speed of construction was ensured by well-coordinated work and reliable cooperation with partners and suppliers. Thanks to well-planned logistics chains, we managed to avoid downtime.
Although the technologies used were mostly typical for the market, the Green Gallery shopping center has unique features. The most important is the presence of a large bomb shelter for 6000 people. Its protective monolithic slab and reinforced columns are innovative solutions for facilities of this type in Ukraine. The presence of an underground parking lot and autonomous power supply (gas and diesel generators, own roof solar power plant of 576 m²) also adds to the facility's advantages. Ensuring the safety of visitors was a priority. The building layout takes into account convenient evacuation routes and spacious areas for movement.
Energy efficiency was taken into account at the design stage. Modern sandwich panels, double roof insulation, and an autonomous energy supply reduce heat loss and increase heat retention in the building. In summer, excess electricity from the solar power plant can be accumulated or sold.
The new format of Epicenter also differs in color and design and has the largest Epiland, Food Market and food court in the chain. An underground parking lot and a summer terrace with a lake are elements that enhance the visitor experience and meet modern trends in retail development. According to Mr. Gavrynov, these elements, which were once considered optional, have now become the standard that determines the competitiveness of shopping centers.
For 18 years of cooperation with Epicenter, Kyivtransbud has seen significant changes in the requirements for the construction of shopping centers: changes in government regulation, the introduction of new technologies and materials, and the growing requirements and standards of the main client. Each new joint project is a step forward in the development of the industry.
The demand for multifunctional shopping centers that combine shopping, leisure and entertainment has always existed in Ukraine. The war and migration have certainly affected it, but the need for convenient, modern places for shopping and leisure remains. With the development of infrastructure, the value of time is also growing, so consumers are choosing shopping centers closer to home.
New shopping centers, such as Green Gallery, not only attract customers, but also force owners of existing facilities to renovate their premises and adapt to market changes. Entertainment zones for children and various food courts are becoming key factors when choosing a shopping center.
The Green Gallery shopping center will significantly change the infrastructure of Chabany, providing residents with a convenient place for shopping, entertainment and leisure. Although there is already an Epicenter shopping center nearby, Green Gallery offers a different, more expanded format that meets a wider range of needs. It is expected to become a kind of magnet for residents of the surrounding areas, offering everything they need in one place. This is in line with the development trend of Kyiv's satellite cities and the growing needs of their populations.
You can view the construction progress of the first Epicenter on the facility's website:
