The project of the shopping center in Jihlava does not appeal to heritage conservationists

JIHLAVA - The project for the construction of the City Park shopping and entertainment center in Jihlava is not favored by heritage protectors. There are also objections from ecologists and the Morava River Basin Authority, the Vysočina newspaper reports today. The complex, which will include shops, restaurants, and a multiplex cinema, is planned to be constructed by the investment company CEI Building starting this September. The plan is currently being evaluated by the regional environmental office.
Authorities, citizens, and other institutions have been able to express their opinions on the construction. The region received 14 letters of objection, which will now be addressed. "From the perspective of state heritage protection, the intention of new construction is unacceptable at first glance," said architect Pavel Wewiora from the National Heritage Institute in an interview with the newspaper.
The center is to be built in the protective zone of the urban heritage reserve, in close proximity to the historic city. It will replace old factory buildings. It will cover 80 historical parcels and its area will be about twelve times larger than the criticized Prior at Masaryk Square. "The action cannot be further developed in this spirit," concluded Wewiora.
The final decision will be made by the Jihlava city council. They are not obliged to follow the opinion of the heritage protectors from Brno. The investor wants to work with the city to find an acceptable variant of the building. "For example, we will break it up to avoid it looking so massive, which is a point of criticism for the project," stated Luděk Jeníš on behalf of the company. He anticipates that construction will begin as planned. Buildings obstructing the area under the Znojmo Bridge are already being demolished. The complex, costing 1.3 billion crowns, is expected to be completed in August 2008.
The project is also not liked by nature protectors, as it will involve the clearing of greenery worth 3.3 million crowns. According to them, it could also lead to depopulation of the city center. According to the Morava Basin Authority, there is currently insufficient sewage in the area.
The investor is now undergoing territorial proceedings. If it ends successfully, they can apply for a building permit. Thus, the decision depends on several departments of the Jihlava city council. The refined project is expected to be presented to the public within three weeks.