The Almaty Hippodrome is once again owned by the city. Following the president's instruction, it has been returned to municipal ownership, and now the authorities plan to restore the complex and bring back its full sporting function. Kursiv LifeStyle reports on what will happen to one of the oldest equestrian facilities in Almaty... reports the website infohub.kz.
The hippodrome is to be preserved as a single complex, without changing its historical and sporting purpose. In Almaty's general plan until 2040, the territory is already designated for the corresponding functional zone, and its intended use will not be changed.
Next, a development concept will be drawn up. Plans include renovating the stands, stables, sports tracks, and utility networks, as well as restoring conditions for holding city and national competitions.
Currently, the complex is heavily worn out, so repairs will be carried out in stages. The Almaty Hippodrome was established in 1930 and is considered one of the oldest equestrian and horse racing facilities in Kazakhstan and Central Asia. It covers an area of 39.1 hectares. Initially, it was designed for about 3,000 spectators and 300 horses.
Major renovations were carried out in 1965 and 1985. In the 1990s, the hippodrome was privatized, and after the bankruptcy of JSC "Hippodrome" in 2001, the property complex was sold to private entities. Since then, the issue of returning the facility to the city has been repeatedly raised by the public.
Earlier, Kursiv reported that the hippodrome in Almaty was twice threatened with demolition to make way for residential complexes and shopping malls.