In Astana, residents of the 'High Vill' residential complex are complaining about the closure of the community centre, which was sold into private hands.
Resident Balkiya Bisengaliyeva writes on her Facebook page that the facility, which over the years became a leisure and health centre for hundreds of residents, ceased operations on 1 April.
According to available information, the seller — High Vill Kazakhstan LLP — did not consult with residents or take their interests into account when completing the transaction. Outraged residents are demanding the contract be cancelled and the infrastructure preserved as it was.
It has emerged that after the construction of the premium-class residential complex, apartment owners were presented with a 'city within a city' — with amenities including a community centre featuring a swimming pool, hydro-massage units, gyms, children's rooms, yoga, dance classes, and so on.
"Since the day it opened, the community centre has been loved by residents and has become a focal point where families would go, buying annual memberships and maintaining their health," writes Bisengaliyeva.
It is reported that on 1 April, the community centre unexpectedly announced its closure due to being sold into private hands. Residents claim the transaction took place without prior notice, open discussions, or legal guarantees to preserve the facility as socially significant infrastructure.
On 5–6 April, more than 150 residents signed an appeal to the new owner asking for the centre's functional purpose to be maintained. A letter was also sent to High Vill Kazakhstan LLP — with a proposal to cancel the transaction by mutual agreement in order to avoid possible legal disputes.
Residents emphasise that they respect the new owner's right to private property, but insist that their interests as consumers of the promised infrastructure should also be protected.
"Clause 3 of his letter (the new owner - ed. note FBKK) gives hope regarding the possibility of cancelling the transaction with the previous owner. But I believe the violated rights of residents should also be protected by law. In these circumstances, I think we need to listen to each other as much as possible and work out the most effective solution that fully satisfies all parties," the message states.