LOCAL

The famously decadent Moscow nightclub “Rai” (Paradise) is due to fall from its perch as owners of the Krasny Oktyabr site begin widespread changes.

Since the chocolate factory closed, the island industrial site has become a hot-spot for revellers – with Rai joined by a host of other fashionable bars aimed squarely at the city’s hipster community.

But new commandments from the owners of the site, just opposite Christ the Saviour Cathedral, could see the nightlife toned down.

Housing, not hospitality

The new blueprint is for high-profile residential developments, which would sit awkwardly with a vibrant nightlife center.

But even if clubbers fear a fall from their current paradise, it is unlikely to happen overnight: city authorities say the housing redevelopment has yet to be approved and planners hint no work is due before 2013 at the earliest.

But there could be planning problems, RBK Daily reported. City building bosses are cautious about redeveloping the site.

End of an era

Rai earned notoriety earlier this year after hosting a controversial Putin party, portraying the PM as a sex symbol.

However there is no official indication that the March gig has prompted its demise.

And the club’s promoters say they are unconcerned about any forced relocation.

They told RBK that the site was getting tired after four years of glamorous nights and they were ready to try something new anyway.

Old factory’s new look

Currently about half the former chocolate factory has been rented out, mostly to galleries, boutiques, bars and restaurants. Three of the 23 buildings on the site have conservation status.

Anastasiya Zalutskaya, from the evaluation and investments department at consulting company “NEO Tsentr”, who is familiar with the planned redevelopment, said any new building would be in keeping with the surroundings.

The initial concept to create urban loft-living in the heart of Moscow dates back to 2003, but since then construction policies have changed.

Earlier this years officials proposed extra restrictions on city center building and some planning permits were withdrawn pending reviews.