It appears one of Bolshoy Fontan’s most famous resort locations has finally seen its second birth. At Station 16, a major renovation of the “Golden Beach” beach complex is underway, set to become a new attraction for Odessans and visitors this summer.

Just a few months ago, this spot was home to Varadero, a beach well known to many Odessans. Over the past few years, the area has gradually fallen into disrepair: outdated infrastructure, dilapidated pools, dilapidated structures, and littered areas offer little resemblance to its status as one of Odessa’s most popular beaches.

Today, the landscape is changing literally before our eyes. The new tenant is the team of renowned Odessa restaurateur Andrey Zarichansky, creator of the popular projects “Yakhta,” “Oblaka,” “Korablik,” and other establishments.

“When we arrived here, it was a disaster,” says company representative Alexandra Tsygankova. “A huge area filled with junk, tired children’s swings, an old pool, and a completely deteriorated space. Yet, this is one of the most iconic locations in the city. We decided to take a comprehensive approach to the project.”

It’s not just the beach itself. At the initiative of the head of the military administration, Sergei Lysak, a plan was developed to reconstruct the embankment, including the 16th fountain, in which the complex played an active role. Therefore, in parallel with the reconstruction, entrepreneurs have begun improving the surrounding area. The promenade has already been widened, new paving has been laid, and the passage between the beach and the long-term construction project that was spoiling the resort area’s appearance has been improved.

The installation of playgrounds is currently ongoing. The area will feature large play structures, slides, swings, trampolines, and other recreational areas for children. Some of the playgrounds will be located directly on the beach, while others will be located at promenade level.

“We wanted to create a place primarily for family recreation, like Korablik,” says Tsygankova. “There will definitely be entertainers, and other children’s activities are planned. And you don’t have to rent a sun lounger or buy anything. You can just come with your children and relax.”

Particular attention was paid to accessibility. Ramps are already installed, special changing rooms and restrooms for people with disabilities are being created, and paths allow access practically to the water’s edge.

According to a representative of the complex, feedback from people in wheelchairs was one of the main incentives to continue this work.

“The kids came here and said, ‘Thank you, we can finally get to the sea on our own,'” she recalls.

Last year’s natural disaster presented another serious challenge. Following a powerful downpour and flooding, the area was virtually destroyed.

“There was about two meters of water here,” Alexandra recalls. “The storm drain couldn’t cope. The flood washed away sand, structures, retail outlets, and construction debris. We spent several weeks restoring the area and bringing in new sand.”

Today, the paid services infrastructure has been completely renovated. The beach features new furniture, umbrellas, and palm trees, an 18-meter pool, a bar, and a summer kitchen.

Despite the extensive investment, the owners have decided to maintain fairly reasonable prices. While a sun lounger on some Odessa beaches can cost as much as 500 hryvnias, at Zoloty Bereg, a standard sun lounger by the sea costs 300 hryvnias. Soft sun loungers on the terraces and by the pool are 500 hryvnias. Bungalows and large family lounge areas cost 800–1,000 hryvnias, while separate VIP areas for groups of up to eight people cost 1,500 hryvnias per group.

It should be noted that a third of the sandy area will remain completely free and free of paid services.

“This is a matter of principle,” emphasizes a representative of the complex. “Most of the beach will be open to everyone. There will be playgrounds, open recreation areas, and promenades. People can simply come to the sea and spend time without any additional expenses.”

Construction workers are currently completing the final work. The site improvements are scheduled to be completed by the 20th of June. Meanwhile, renovations are underway on the restaurant that will be located within the complex. Judging by Zarichanskyi’s team’s previous projects, Fontana Station 16 has every chance of becoming not just another beach, but a new, fully-fledged resort location, one that could restore Zolotoy Bereg’s status as one of the most attractive vacation spots on Odessa’s coast.