The National Heritage Institute does not like the design of the Ostrava skyscraper

Ostrava – The National Heritage Institute (NPÚ) in Ostrava does not approve of the proposal for a skyscraper that is set to be built in the center of Ostrava. Heritage experts stated today in a declaration that the high-rise building is contrary to the interests of state heritage preservation. According to them, the architectural study for the proposed Ostrava Tower, which is 235 meters tall, is in stark contradiction to the interest of protecting cultural and historical values. However, according to Jindřich Vaněk, the media representative of the RT Torax company behind the project, this stance does not threaten the project.

"The height of the building does not correspond to the scale of the historical development in the heritage-protected area, significantly impacts the city's panorama, and violates the conditions for protecting the urban conservation zone of Moravská Ostrava and its surroundings. The proposed building does not respect the applicable spatial planning documentation," stated Michal Zezula, the director of the NPÚ's Territorial Expert Department in Ostrava.

The NPÚ office in Ostrava received a request for an opinion from the Department of Urban Planning and Building Regulations of the Municipality of Ostrava in July this year, and at the beginning of September, the Heritage Council, which is an advisory body to the director, expressed unequivocal disagreement with the intention to construct the proposed high-rise building. The heritage experts pointed out in their published statement that the planned structure is at the center of the line connecting the tower of the New City Hall with the viewpoint of the BOLT café at the blast furnace number one in the Lower Vítkovice area, thus obstructing views from one city landmark to another.

"There is no doubt that if the high-rise building were realized, it would alter and disrupt the area of Moravská Ostrava, which has developed over centuries and is characterized by a uniform height of construction, rhythmically broken by the dominance of significant sacred and public buildings, none of which exceed 86 meters in height (the tower of the New City Hall). The realization of a 235-meter tall building would fundamentally transform the unmistakable panorama of Ostrava, which further includes blast furnaces and other industrial structures in the Lower Vítkovice area. There is also no doubt that the massive volume of the proposed building would negatively impact the perception of the architectural values of the historic city core, which was formed with the participation of several significant architects, including some world-renowned figures such as Camillo Sitte, Erich Mendelsohn, or Bohuslav Fuchs," added Zezula.

According to Vaněk, the stance of the city's heritage experts and the chief architect's office is essential for the investor, but they do not currently have it. "In that area, a building with a height of 62 meters has been approved by a spatial decision, which also affects those panoramas, and that building passed without the NPÚ's concern. A building of considerable height has always been planned for that location," believes Vaněk. According to him, this stance does not pose a threat to the project. "We are currently gathering expert arguments to engage in a discussion with the NPÚ's opinion and persuade the leadership of the city of Ostrava and the concerned authorities that the building fits that location and meets all the parameters so that Ostrava can be proud of it," stated Vaněk.

The skyscraper proposal is backed by the architectural studio Chybik+Kristof Architects & Urban Designers. The skyscraper is expected to combine various functions. The top will feature a publicly accessible observation deck and restaurant, but it will also include commercial and entertainment spaces, offices, a hotel, conference halls, as well as apartments and wellness facilities. The structure is intended to be 235 meters tall and will have 56 floors, making it the tallest building in the Czech Republic. The building is to be located on the land along 28th October street near the shopping complex Nová Karolina, nicknamed "Slza." Last year, the Ostrava company RT Torax purchased the land, intending to build the skyscraper on it. The city had already suggested during the sale of the land that it wanted a new high-rise object.