The Opava city hall is preparing the next phase of the reconstruction of the department store Breda

Opava - The Opava city hall is preparing the next stage of the reconstruction of the department store Breda. Craftsmen will replace the windows and repair the facade. Work will begin in June. Independently, the city, in cooperation with the Czech Chamber of Architects, is preparing to announce an architectural competition for a comprehensive solution for the entire building, including its future use. The most commonly discussed options involve a combination of commercial and non-commercial activities, such as a market, gallery, or museum. Roman Konečný, the spokesperson for the city hall, informed the CTK about this. The city purchased the deteriorating building last year. Reconstruction costs are expected to exceed 300 million crowns.

Opava will initially finance the planned repairs from its budget. However, it is also seeking options for grant co-financing and private capital participation. "All work is coordinated in close cooperation with the preservationists," added the spokesperson.

According to the project, the reconstruction of the facade, including scaffolding, is expected to cost approximately 11 million crowns, while the window reconstruction is estimated to be an additional 19 million crowns. An elevator is also planned to be constructed at a cost of 2.5 million crowns. Demolition and dismantling work is expected to cost a similar amount, while around 380,000 crowns is budgeted for the replacement of the water connection. Work is expected to start in June, with completion anticipated in the summer of 2024.

According to Konečný, the glass showcases will not be replaced for now; adjustments are planned after a decision is made regarding the building's future use. Currently, preparatory work is underway that is not very visible but is essential for the successful progress of the reconstruction, so we ask the public for patience, added Opava's mayor Tomáš Navrátil (ANO).

The city hall leadership has not yet decided how the building will be further utilized. However, it is to be a combination of commercial and non-commercial use. There has been talk of placing an exhibition of African culture or a gallery featuring works by sculptor Kurt Gebauer. Part of the building is expected to be used commercially, for offices or commercial spaces. A market could also be established here.

The cultural monument, which belonged to the bankrupt company of entrepreneur Kamil Kolečko, was acquired by the city for 39.5 million crowns. Total reconstruction costs are expected to be around 300 million crowns. The annual operating cost of the building, with 10,000 square meters, is expected to be about 17.7 million crowns. Conversely, the city should generate 15.8 million crowns from rental income and provided services. The difference would then consist of the city's subsidy for the building's operation.

At the time of its opening in 1928, it was the largest department store in the republic.