Heritage protectors request the halt of the demolition of the stadium in Štvanice

Prague - The Prague office of the National Heritage Institute (NPÚ) disagrees with the demolition of the stadium in Prague's Štvanice and calls for its halt. According to them, it is possible to preserve the essence of the stadium. The NPÚ stated this on its website. The demolition of the stadium, which has been a cultural monument since 2000, started over the weekend, citing the poor technical condition of the building as the reason. Prague refuses to halt the demolition, claiming it is not possible to repair the building.
The Prague office of the NPÚ "... is aware of the poor condition of the original stands' structures and part of the wooden roofs, (...) however, it views the ongoing demolition as a serious mistake and calls for its halt," heritage officials stated in a press release.
However, Prague refuses to stop the demolition. "We have an order from the building authority that we must immediately remove the building," said councilor Aleksandra Udženija to ČTK. According to her, the heritage officials' position is not relevant.
According to the heritage officials, nobody discussed with them about any further possible handling of the stadium or a proposal to revoke its heritage protection until their press release was published. The NPÚ claims it was not informed about the planned demolition, nor were static and other assessments provided that would require an urgent demolition.
"The Prague office of the NPÚ considers such a removal of an immovable cultural monument as an unfortunate precedent, especially considering the fact that the owner of the building is the capital city of Prague," the press release further states. The heritage officials believe it is possible to preserve the essence of the stadium.
Councilor Udženija disagrees, stating that the wooden structures are so rotten that they cannot be repaired. According to the councilor, the former tenant neglected the maintenance of the stadium, and Prague will demand compensation from them.
The winter stadium in Štvanice was built between 1930 and 1932 based on the design of architect Josef Fuchs as the first artificial ice rink in the country. The stadium, which was affected by floods in 2002, gradually deteriorated. Water leaked into the wooden walls and stands, and the structure was infested with rot. Due to its poor technical condition, it was closed since January. According to assessments commissioned by the municipality, its collapse was imminent. The demolition of the stadium was ordered last week by the building authority for Prague 7.
Several generations of hockey players and figure skaters grew up at the stadium, including the famous figure skater Ája Vrzáňová. A criminal report was also filed due to the demolition. Štvanice has hosted four World Championships in hockey, in 1933, 1938, 1947, and 1959. According to the heritage officials, the stadium's structure represents a remarkable technical monument that is evidence of early sports architecture from the interwar period.