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A sprawling 226-hectare former presidential residence located on the Caspian Sea coast in Aktau has been returned to state ownership, but its ultimate purpose is still undecided. Initial plans to dedicate the land for children's facilities have evolved, with new proposals emerging for a tourism center, stadium, mosque, commercial spaces, and residential buildings.

A Contested History and Legal Battles

The former presidential residence in Mangystau, situated on the outskirts of Aktau along the Caspian Sea, encompasses a significant 226-hectare area featuring several structures. In February 2023, a public initiative proposed repurposing the site for children's benefit, with local authorities initially announcing steps to transfer the land for this purpose. However, it was later revealed that the property was privately owned.

It wasn't until August of the same year that authorities confirmed the successful reclamation of the land for state ownership. Local media reported the value of the 225-hectare plot at one billion tenge. According to the regional land relations department, the land was initially transferred to MangistaumunaiGas JSC between 2002 and 2004, and subsequently sold to Oil Real Estate LLP. After two decades, a court determined that the sale of this land had been unlawful.

Shifting Plans: From Children to Stadiums and Mosques

In August 2024, Nurdaulet Kilibay, the Akim (Governor) of Mangystau region, announced a decision to retain the residence for developing the region's tourism potential. He stated that the area would be allocated for major tourism projects once the city's master plan was finalized.

By December of that year, the Akim revealed plans to construct a ten-thousand-seat stadium, a mosque, children's play areas, and facilities for small and medium-sized businesses on the 225-hectare site. These plans were slated to be integrated into Aktau's master plan, with preparations underway for state expert review.

However, by September 2025, the city Akim, Abilkaiyr Baipakov, indicated that residential buildings, along with administrative, sports, and cultural facilities, would be built on the site. He suggested this project would create the most comfortable modern urban environment in Aktau. Notably, these latest plans made no mention of the original "children's benefit" initiative.

Current Status of the Aktau Former Residence

Tengrinews.kz journalists submitted an official inquiry to the Mangystau regional administration to ascertain the current condition of the former residence area. The images provided by the administration show the area largely unchanged, with the majority of the land undeveloped, though the buildings remain intact.

The administration clarified that the site would no longer be referred to as a presidential residence. "There is no residence of the Head of State in the Mangystau region, nor has there been one operating previously. The specified territory was previously owned by a private entrepreneur. However, approximately 224-226 hectares of the land plot have been confiscated in favor of the state," the official response stated.

In early 2026, this land parcel was formalized within the "Aktau Sea Port" special economic zone. The area remains unused, with a significant portion undeveloped. Project design work has been completed for further development, and preparations for state expert review are currently in progress.

According to the administration, no budget funds have been allocated for the maintenance of the former residence area and its facilities, as they are not in use. "No repair or reconstruction work has been carried out since the territory was returned to state ownership, and no budget funds have been spent for these purposes," the administration explained.

It was also reported that Nurdaulet Kilibay, the Akim of Mangystau region, does not use official housing and resides at his permanent address.

Conclusion

The initiative to transfer former presidential residences for children's benefit, raised in 2023, has not been fully realized across the country. Only two residences, in the Zhambyl and Kostanay regions, have been handed over to children. Construction is ongoing at the Atyrau region residence, while the Aktobe region facility remains with a private company, with the administration acquiring different buildings instead.

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