In Shymkent, the construction of a new building of the famous “Phosphornik Palace of Culture” has begun. Today, the akim of the city, Gabit Syzdykbekov, as well as the founders of the Saby Charitable Foundation — environmentalist Assel Tasmagambetova and entrepreneur Kenes Rakishev — took part in the capsule-laying ceremony at the construction site of this important facility.
This center, which has played a special role in the cultural life of the city, was commissioned in 1980. However, in recent years the building was abandoned, and in 2023 it became municipal property. Experts who studied its condition concluded that demolition was necessary. In this regard, the akimat of Shymkent, with the support of the Saby Foundation, made the decision to demolish the building and construct a new one.
The head of the metropolis, congratulating those present on the beginning of the construction, noted that the “Phosphornik Palace of Culture” had been a cultural center of the city for many years. Based on the findings of specialists, a decision was made to reconstruct the building, and in this important cause the city was supported by the founders of the Saby Foundation.
“Shymkent has a rich history and unique cultural heritage. The city is actively developing in all directions with a special focus on economic growth, improvement of infrastructure, and increasing the quality of life of its residents. The construction of this facility is an important investment in the future. The renewed Palace of Culture will not only restore its former glory but also become a creative center of the metropolis, giving a new impetus to the development of Shymkent,” said G. Syzdykbekov.
The Saby Foundation has been systematically supporting projects in the fields of medicine, education, and culture for 23 years, based on deep analysis. Before beginning the reconstruction of this landmark facility in Shymkent, the Foundation conducted a comprehensive study called “Shymkent and the Phosphornik Palace of Culture: Tradition, Modernity, and Growth Points,” which identified the city residents’ needs in developing social skills and ensuring generational continuity.
“The new Phosphornik Palace will mark a new stage in the cultural development of Shymkent. It will be a modern educational hub that will become not only a platform for acquiring new skills and providing opportunities for growth, but also a place of attraction for residents of all ages. In the development concept, we paid special attention to maintaining cultural ties and preserving traditions between generations,” said Assel Tasmagambetova.
The Phosphornik Palace of Culture will be transformed into a multifunctional center that will combine three hubs: an IT hub, a creative hub, and a hub for public initiatives.
Residents will have access to creative industry spaces, an artist workshop, exhibition areas, an amphitheater, coworking spaces, office rooms, a platform for forums, a transformable stage for fashion shows, a business incubator, studios for photo and video shooting, sound recording, podcasts, a conference hall, and branches of urban communities (environmental initiatives, parent clubs, etc.).
At the request of the Saby Foundation, a design project for the new Palace of Culture was developed, combining historical and modern elements of this unique Shymkent structure.
According to the reconstruction plan, comprehensive landscaping of the adjacent territory is planned — park areas, alleys, fountains, and modern children’s playgrounds will appear, making the space comfortable for residents and visitors. It is expected that the Phosphornik Palace of Culture will not only restore the glory of a landmark building of Shymkent but will also become a new cultural attraction of the metropolis.