The magistrate has approved the demolition of Sochor Barracks near the center of Olomouc

Olomouc - The buildings in the vast area of the Sochor Barracks, located near the historic center of Olomouc, which were purchased from the state in 2014 for 68 million crowns by the company Snyze of entrepreneur Josef Lébr, may be demolished. The demolition of the buildings was approved by officials from the construction department of the Olomouc magistrate at the end of March. ČTK acquired this information today from the municipal bulletin board. On the cleared site, apartments and possibly offices are to be built.

The decision of the officials indicates that entrepreneur Lébr has until the end of September to demolish the Sochor Barracks. The buildings are to be removed gradually under predetermined conditions to minimize the impact of their demolition on the surroundings.

ČTK was unable to obtain a statement from entrepreneur Lébr today. Shortly after purchasing the barracks, he stated that he plans to use the nearly two-hectare area of the former barracks for the construction of apartments for university students. New office buildings may also be constructed in the area.

Lébr's company Snyze was the only interested party in the Sochor Barracks two years ago, offering the Ministry of Defense 68 million crowns, which was one million more than the minimum purchase price set by the Ministry of Defense.

The army abandoned the Sochor Barracks in 2010. The area, covering 1.7 hectares, was mainly used by the sixth field hospital. The city showed no interest in the barracks located in a lucrative area, as the investment would be beyond its means.

The Sochor Barracks are situated next to the newly emerging urban district of Šantovka, which will span 11 hectares near the historic center and is expected to cost around ten billion crowns. Its components will include, in addition to the already operational shopping center, a residential district and an office complex, including the controversial high-rise building Šantovka Tower.

The name of entrepreneur Lébr is associated with several companies, including Štěrkovny Olomouc and Repre Football. Lébr holds a minority stake in the first league football club SK Sigma Olomouc.