Key Highlights:
- The privatized sports complex in Odessa had remained derelict for over 20 years amidst residential housing;
- Due to serious breaches of the privatization agreement, the prosecutor's office initiated a lawsuit on behalf of the state;
- The Economic Court of Odessa region ruled in favor of the prosecutor's demands, and the decision is now effective;
- In April 2025, the complex was finally returned to state ownership.
According to the Odessa regional prosecutor's office, this facility is set to become a hub for physical culture for the residents of the large neighborhood. However, for over two decades, it stood as a lifeless concrete structure – a ruin amid residential developments.
«This is a clear example of the consequences of irresponsible privatization that sidelined public interests,» the agency stated.
Data from the prosecutor's office indicates that in 2002, a purchase agreement was made between the State Property Fund of Ukraine and the defendant for an unfinished construction project. The terms of the agreement required completion of the works by 2014. However, the owner took no steps to finish or improve the site. The complex gradually fell into disrepair, and its intended use as a sports facility was essentially ignored.
Given the severe violation of the agreement's conditions, the prosecutor's office filed a lawsuit in the state's interest. The Economic Court of Odessa region upheld the prosecutor's claims. The appellate court confirmed the legality of the decision, and the Supreme Court closed the cassation proceedings.
The court's decision has now become legally binding.
«The court recognized that failing to meet construction deadlines is a significant breach of the agreement's terms. This provided grounds for its termination and the return of the facility to the state,» the supervisory agency's press service added.
In execution of the court ruling, a transfer act was signed between the parties in April 2025, and the sports complex was formally returned to state ownership.
