Moscow radio tower gains reprieve

The Shabolovka radio tower (also known as the Shukhov Tower after its architect) in Moscow, Russia, has been placed under a preservation order by city officials that will prevent its demolition. The 160 m (525 ft) structure had been at threat, with the Russian State Committee for Television and Radio Broadcasting having announced plans to dismantle it after it had been left to deteriorate over a number of years.

City officials have formally prohibited its ismantling or relocation to another site. The conservation order prevents any alterations to the tower's materials, three-dimensional structure and steel structural elements. The city order also proposes the addition of the tower onto the federal list of protected heritage sites.

Moscow City Council is reported as hoping to host an open international competition to restore the tower, which is estimated as being likely to cost US$433 million. However, doubts concerning this have been expressed since heritage legislation may not allow this to be done