The pit in the center of Ústí has been there for more than 12 years, the company points out the building permit

Ústí nad Labem – An abandoned construction site, nicknamed a pit or hole by locals, has marred the center of Ústí nad Labem for more than 12 years. This April, the construction permit for the company Udes, which owns the land between the town hall and the Palace of Zdar, was due to expire. However, the company began construction work just before the deadline, thereby extending the permit by law. The work involved minor repairs to the fencing and covering some parts of the construction site. Company representative Radek Neymon told ČTK today that it is a private project, which has a construction permit, and more information may not be of public interest.

Many residents are bothered by the concrete foundation slab that has replaced the original park. "I don't understand that bureaucracy is more important than the welfare of citizens," said city resident Pavel Balát to ČTK today, adding that he would like to see a park return to the site. Another Ústí resident told ČTK that he would also appreciate greenery in the area. "Although it belongs to a private entity, I want to know the plans," he stated.

According to the representative of the company, they continue to plan the construction of a multifunctional building, which is to include a parking lot in the basement. A park would be created at the site if its construction were financed by someone else. The representative also mentioned that property prices are rising, and in five years, the strategic land could have a higher value.

Whether the company will sell the construction site, its representative did not want to comment. According to city spokesperson Romana Macová, the town hall does not have an offer to purchase from the owner. However, the city had previously agreed with the investor on property rights settlement and the appearance of the building. The multifunctional building was supposed to be built around 2018. After nearly 13 years, the foundation has likely been affected by external factors, which could further delay the completion of the building.

The city has no leverage over the owner. "According to the building law, the building authority has no way to compel the builder to carry out the construction," Macová stated. By issuing the construction permit, the builder has the right to complete the construction. "The building authority is aware of the issue, which is why it responded to the builder's request from February 26, 2020, to extend the validity of the joint permit for two years by extending it for only one year in order to prevent unnecessary prolongation of the construction," the spokesperson added. The authority has also issued nine calls over the years to secure the construction site and repair the fallen fencing.