The urban study aims to demonstrate the development possibilities of the Ostrava part of Hrušov

Ostrava - Future development opportunities for the Ostrava district of Hrušov will be outlined by the emerging urban study, which is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Interested parties will be able to familiarize themselves with the study's concept on November 1st at a public meeting. The study's authors aim to consider the comments and suggestions that arise from this meeting. This was announced today by Zuzana Kotyzová, spokesperson for the City Studio of Spatial Planning and Architecture (MAPPA).

Hrušov is part of the Slezská Ostrava district and lies on the northern outskirts of the regional capital. In 1997, it was significantly impacted by floods and has long been perceived as an excluded area. Recently, it has been primarily associated with the logistics park of the Contera company. "Its potential, consisting of unused areas, good transport accessibility, and the natural character of some parts, can be very well utilized for other functions in the future. The new urban study will examine what opportunities this part of Ostrava can offer and outline a plan for its development," said Kotyzová.

The study focuses on the western part of Hrušov, which is bounded by the Ostravice and Odra rivers, Bohumínská street, and a railway line. Historically, this area housed the center of Hrušov, and several valuable buildings have been preserved here, including the Neo-Gothic Church of St. Francis and Victor with an active parish and adjacent parish garden. Currently, the zoning plan allows the construction of larger light industrial buildings in nearly the entire area.

"Although it is largely a social brownfield due to historical events, in recent years there have been repeated efforts by property owners and the district to revitalize and develop housing or services. For this reason, the city council approved the initiation of a zoning plan change in June of this year, the subject of which is, among other things, the change in land use for Hrušov. This should better reflect current expectations and thus set the direction for future development of the area. The basis for the change in the zoning plan will be a study being prepared under the guidance of the MAPPA studio,” said Deputy Mayor Zuzana Bajgarová (ANO).

According to MAPPA urban planner Pavel Řihák, there should not be additional large industrial or storage complexes built in Hrušov, but the area has the potential to create a multifunctional urban development. "The Church of St. Francis and Victor, the parsonage building, other preserved objects of the original development, or the old alley along Riegrova street form the genius loci of this locality. When you add to that the attractive natural character, good transport connections, and proximity to downtown Ostrava, this area could become very interesting for investors in the future if suitable conditions arise," Řihák believes.

The study is currently investigating, for example, optimal ways to connect Hrušov with the rest of the city and how the area can offer new opportunities for administrative buildings, services, or even housing or recreational and sports use. The public meeting on the study will take place on November 1st at 5:00 PM at the MAPPA city studio at Nádražní street 17.