A space for business, ideas, and recovery: how a neglected landmark became a center of the community's economic growth
In the heart of Lutsk, a multifunctional business hub has opened in the former "Batkivshchyna" cinema building. Once a neglected and half-ruined architectural monument from 1938, the site has now been revitalized — with a coworking area, offices, conference halls, modern equipment, and a space for the development of small and medium-sized businesses, including veteran-led initiatives. 
"The old cinema had been falling into ruin for years, but we were guided by the idea of creating an environment where businesses could realize their potential, coordinate, cooperate, and thereby strengthen the city's economy while presenting the community both in Ukraine and abroad," said Borys Smal, Director of the Department of Economic Policy of Lutsk City Council.
"We didn't want to destroy the old and build something completely new, but rather to preserve the authenticity, modernize it, and give the building a new life. And I believe we succeeded thanks to the joint efforts of designers, architects, and builders," - emphasized Vasyl Lishchuk, Head of the Capital Construction Department of Lutsk City Council.
The building was practically reconstructed from scratch. The works included strengthening the foundation, replacing the roof, laying new utility networks, installing modern acoustic systems, and ensuring an inclusive environment. 
"The works were carried out in line with cultural heritage restoration standards. Special attention was paid to inclusivity — entrances were leveled to the ground wherever possible, and where not, special solutions for people with disabilities were installed," added Lishchuk.
An Investment in the Future
The project was implemented with the support of the German government, GIZ, and UNDP, which organized a competition of local initiatives as part of the program for the rapid economic recovery of Ukrainian communities. The grant totaled over USD 900,000 (approximately UAH 36 million), with an additional UAH 25 million allocated from the Lutsk city budget.
"The priority of the Lutsk City Council is transparency. We implement numerous international grant projects, which require both financial and public accountability. The DREAM ecosystem for us is yet another confirmation that we work in a fully open and transparent way," noted Iryna Chebeliuk, Deputy Mayor of Lutsk.
Project on DREAM: https://dream.gov.ua/project/DREAM-UA-110124-A95E3CE8/profile
"This space is for people, about people, and for the benefit of our businesses. It features conference halls and workspaces designed to support relocated companies, startups, and veterans who wish to start civilian life with a clean slate," she added. 
A Platform for Cooperation
The new business hub can simultaneously host up to 10 businesses, offers a coworking area with at least 12 workstations, as well as separate offices for startups, relocated companies, and veteran-led initiatives. Additionally, the facility features a large, multifunctional hall that accommodates up to 300 people, a 40-seat conference room, and two smaller halls.
"We are creating an environment where businesses can coordinate, cooperate, and develop the community's economy, presenting Lutsk both in Ukraine and abroad," emphasized Borys Smal. "One of the grant's conditions was to create space for at least 12 different businesses to operate here. These could be photo studios, design studios, consulting firms, or accounting services — enterprises that are environmentally friendly and can function in the city center."
He also emphasized that the hub could not only serve as a catalyst for the local economy but also generate revenue for the city's budget. According to preliminary estimates, the city's share of investment is expected to pay off in approximately two years. The new space is already open for conferences, training sessions, business forums, and cultural events. Its architecture harmoniously combines historic style with modern technological solutions.
The building is also energy-independent, with solar panels installed on the roof.
The hub will serve as a platform for partnerships between small, medium, and large businesses, especially in the context of post-war recovery. Of particular importance will be support for veterans returning from the front who are seeking opportunities to start their own businesses.
