Czech Budějovice residents can express their views on the construction of the Black Pelican center

České Budějovice - Residents of České Budějovice can express their opinions on the construction of the Black Pelican commercial and community center on Lannova Street. The investor MONT TD has opened an information center in the Daniela arcade, aiming to gather feedback from local residents. The company informed ČTK of this in a press release today. The investor had previously faced opposition from the civic association Vienna Quarter, founded by owners of neighboring houses. They are concerned that the center will change the urbanistically interesting area characterized by greenery amidst housing blocks.
    The shopping and entertainment center is expected to be completed within three years. Dozens of stores will be complemented by a giant aquarium, a climbing wall, and a relaxation lawn. It is anticipated that 10,000 visitors will pass through daily. The commercial and leisure gallery will be built near the center, in the block of houses between Štítného, Rudolfovská, and Lannova streets. Construction is set to begin in 2008 or 2009.
    The multifunctional center will cover more than 12,000 square meters. It will be built on part of the dilapidated site of a soda bottling plant and a meat processing facility, which are awaiting demolition. The investment includes parking for 244 cars.
    The construction was complicated earlier by heritage conservationists. A house previously acquired, originally belonging to the Hájíček family, was proposed by the heritage institute and the Friends of the City of České Budějovice as a cultural monument, according to Mladá fronta Dnes. The residential building on Štítného Street, built in the 1930s in the Art Deco style, was deemed exclusive by experts. Today, it has a dilapidated originally ornamental garden, and valuable furnishings have vanished from the interiors of the house.