In the 1920s, the cultural life of Moscow’s outskirts was centred around "workers' clubs", the predecessors of cinemas. The clubs were built in industrial areas, where they replaced the cultural function of the centre of the city. This is where local communities were built and concentrated.

Over time, viewers began turning to modern multiplexes for high quality sound and good picture quality. As a result, the Soviet heritage, which had not managed to adapt to Muscovites' new requirements, fell into decline. In the best case, district cinemas were used as restaurants and nightclubs, markets and offices, while in the worst cases, the buildings closed and were left empty for decades.

After reconstruction, the old buildings will re-open as modern neighbourhood centres. They will be comfortable public spaces that foster creative development and interaction between neighbours, somewhere that people are happy to visit regularly.
Each neighbourhood centre is designed to ensure regular visits and based on the needs of local communities and Muscovites living within walking distance. Former cinemas will see not just the return of film screenings but will also become a location for meeting in cafes and restaurants, sitting on the veranda, spending time with the whole family in the edutainment centre, attending a lecture or master class, buying essential items and goods for the home and organic products, as well as taking something home from the deli section, repairing and cleaning items, doing exercise and many more useful things for the home and family in a pleasant and cosy atmosphere.

In working on the architecture and design of neighbourhood centres, we set ourselves the objective of creating spaces that residents will be proud of by bringing a quality to residential districts that is currently only available in the centre of the city.
We engaged the best global experts in architecture and public spaces. The architectural concept was developed by Amanda Levete, the founder of Amanda Levete Architects (AL_A), who created the design for the reconstruction of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and has been awarded the prestigious Stirling Prize.
The concept for the interior is designed to create a feeling of homely comfort, simplicity, relaxation and care. Spatial zoning has been carefully planned so that each guest feels cared for.
The opening of the entire network of neighbourhood centres is planned for 2022 — 2026.