Experts estimate that up to 85% of the existing facilities in the park have been rendered obsolete. In 2007 major attractions were closed due to poor condition and the famous observation wheel was dismantled in 2008. They say this in turn is reducing visitor numbers, which have dropped to an average of 3 million, compared with 6.5 million at Paris Disneyland in 2009 which estimated revenues of € 519 million.

Three years ago, the government intended to privatize 75% of the park, but a protest movement pushed authorities to reconsider the idea. At the time it was believed the location of the park would be highly attractive to developers looking to construct premium class luxury accommodation rather than lesser profits from running amusements.

The general director of MT Development Alexandr Timofeev believes the investments for the reconstruction of the park to be approximately $1 billion.

"Assuming the experience of USA Disneyland return on investments the Moscow Gorky Park with the smaller footfall can expect to gain profit not earlier than in 7-10 years”