Yandex Expands Its Footprint in St. Petersburg

August 14, 2024, 5:00 am
Yandex
Yandex
InformationLearnMobileOnlineProductSearchServiceSoftwareTechnologyTransportation
Location: Russia, Moscow
Employees: 5001-10000
Total raised: $500M
Yandex, the tech giant from Russia, is on the move. The company plans to open a new office in the heart of St. Petersburg. This new space will cover 9,500 square meters, nestled in a historic building on Moiseenko Street, just a stone's throw from the Neva River.

The office will span multiple floors, from the first to the fourth, and the sixth to the seventh. The crown jewel of this new venture will be a spacious 2,000 square meter area on the seventh floor. This expansion signals Yandex's commitment to growth in one of Russia's cultural capitals.

Yandex already has a strong presence in St. Petersburg, with two existing offices housing around 1,500 employees. The company’s spokesperson confirmed the expansion plans, emphasizing their ongoing growth and the need for more space. They are actively exploring options to accommodate their increasing workforce.

The company is currently seeking a contractor to develop the working documentation for the renovation. This documentation will cover various aspects, including floor demolition, engineering, and partial repairs to ventilation and air conditioning systems. Fire safety measures will also be a priority. The contractor will start by obtaining planning solutions before moving on to the design project.

The financial implications of this project are significant. According to industry experts, the cost of developing the project documentation could range from 2,500 rubles per square meter. This means Yandex could spend upwards of 23.7 million rubles just for the planning phase. The renovation itself is expected to be costly, with estimates suggesting that the total investment could reach up to 1 billion rubles.

The office space is designed to accommodate between 800 to 900 employees comfortably. This figure takes into account Yandex's focus on creating a pleasant working environment, complete with relaxation zones, kitchens, and meeting rooms. While the building could theoretically hold over 2,000 workstations, the reality of modern office design prioritizes comfort and collaboration over sheer numbers.

The chosen location, the business center at Moiseenko, 22, is a class A building completed in 2023. It boasts a total area of 26,500 square meters and is strategically located near key landmarks like the Peter the Great Bridge and the Smolny Cathedral. The rental rates for office space in this area hover around 2,300 rubles per square meter per month, reflecting the premium nature of the location.

Yandex's history in St. Petersburg dates back to 2006 when it opened its first office in the Benoit business center. Since then, the company has grown its local workforce significantly, with teams dedicated to various services, including search, taxi, real estate, and cloud solutions. In 2021, Yandex partially relocated to the Ferrum business center, further expanding its operations in the city.

Despite the ambitious expansion plans, Yandex has faced challenges. Recent reports indicate a reduction in office space in Moscow, with a decrease of 11,800 square meters in 2023. The company’s headquarters, previously located in the Krasnaya Roza business center, has also seen a downsizing. This shift reflects broader trends in the tech industry, where companies are reassessing their real estate needs in a post-pandemic world.

As Yandex continues to grow, its commitment to St. Petersburg remains strong. The new office will not only enhance its operational capacity but also contribute to the local economy. The influx of new employees will bring vitality to the area, fostering a dynamic work environment.

In conclusion, Yandex's expansion in St. Petersburg is a strategic move that underscores its growth trajectory. The new office will serve as a hub for innovation and collaboration, aligning with the company's vision of creating a modern workplace. As the tech landscape evolves, Yandex is positioning itself to thrive in a competitive environment, making its mark in one of Russia's most vibrant cities. The future looks bright for Yandex in St. Petersburg, and the city is ready to welcome this new chapter.