Part of the opposition criticizes the planned construction of a skyscraper in Ostrava

Ostrava – Parts of the opposition are not in favor of the proposed construction of a skyscraper in the center of Ostrava, which is to be the tallest building in the country. Opposition councilor Martin Juroška (KSČM) proposed at today's council meeting that the city should not close the necessary amendment to the contract with the private investor, which the councilors discussed for more than two hours. However, his proposal was rejected by coalition councilors.

"I believe this is one of the last moments when the city can backtrack without pain," Juroška said. According to him, the skyscraper is entirely unnecessary for Ostrava and will merely be a parasite on its surroundings. He also criticized that the city is, in his opinion, too accommodating in adjusting the terms of the contract in relation to the investor. "If we look at it objectively, it is a building that flaunts its eccentricity, and a building that the majority of Ostrava's residents do not need at all. The construction is energy and environmentally demanding," Juroška believes. He stated that there is no need for further office space or luxury apartments in Ostrava.

Juroška reminded that the National Heritage Institute (NPÚ) has also expressed disagreement with the construction. Heritage experts pointed out that the high building is in conflict with the interests of state heritage care. According to them, the architectural study of the proposed Ostrava Tower building, which is 235 meters tall, is in direct conflict with the protection of cultural and historical values and also does not respect the valid spatial planning documentation.

Deputy Mayor Zuzana Bajgarová (ANO) pointed out that the NPÚ's stance does not have a direct impact on the project. "The stance has a recommendatory character within the proceedings. A binding stance is subsequently issued by the relevant department in the city, with the understanding that it is at their discretion and analysis of the whole situation what stance they will take. The NPÚ's stance itself does not block the project," the deputy mayor said.

Today, the city councilors decided on the necessary amendment to the contract with the investor, which exceeded the originally set regulatory conditions with its proposal. The original contract thus needed to be modified in view of this fact and other necessary aspects. The amended form of the contract also became the subject of criticism. Opposition councilor Lukáš Semerák (Ostravak), who supports the construction of the skyscraper itself, pointed out, among other things, that the councilors did not have enough time to familiarize themselves more thoroughly with the adjustments.

"The conclusion of the amendment to the purchase contract is an important milestone in the project of building a high-rise building in the New Karolina area and moves the project into the next phase. The contractual amendment approved by the council defines the conditions for the individual phases of project preparation and construction of the new building, the obligations of the investor, and also the cooperation of Ostrava necessary for the realization of the project intention. In accordance with the contractual conditions, exact deadlines for the zoning procedure, building permit, and occupancy of the building will now be set," stated Jindřich Vaněk, spokesman for the investor, which is the company RT Torax. He added that, despite the NPÚ's stance, the Department of Urban Planning and Building Regulations, as the relevant state heritage care authority, has issued a positive opinion on the construction project this week.

The proposal for the skyscraper comes from the architectural studio Chybik+Kristof Architects & Urban Designers. It is planned to have a publicly accessible viewing platform and restaurant at the top, as well as commercial and leisure spaces, offices, a hotel, conference halls, and apartments or wellness facilities. The building is to be 235 meters high and will have 56 floors. The structure is to be located on a plot along 28th October Street, near the Nová Karolina shopping complex, which is nicknamed "Slza." Last year, the Ostrava company RT Torax purchased the land and plans to build the skyscraper on it. The city had already announced during the sale of the land that it wanted a new high-rise building on it.