In the campus of the Technical University of Ostrava, the construction of the Faculty of Economics has begun

Ostrava – Construction of a new building for the Faculty of Economics has started today at the VŠB - Technical University of Ostrava (VŠB-TUO), which is currently located in the center of the regional capital. The new building is expected to be completed by the summer of 2024. The construction costs are estimated to be around 810 million crowns, with additional funds needed for its equipment. The university received a grant from the Ministry of Education for the construction, but the university itself is also significantly contributing to the financing, having to save the necessary funds for it. This was stated to journalists by the university rector Václav Snášel.

The Faculty of Economics has been located in a building on Sokolská Street in the city center since its establishment in 1977. However, its current facilities are outdated and do not meet the requirements for modern education. "We want to sell the existing building in a public auction, which is the cleanest method for us to realize this," said Snášel.

He added that the construction of the new building represents a shift for the university. "Our campus has 40 hectares, making it one of the largest campuses in Central Europe. Once we get the Faculty of Economics here, we will create a student square with the Faculty of Economics at its center. The campus will thus gain a natural structure. Bringing the students of the Faculty of Economics here is a key aspect for the future transformation (of the region)," Snášel stated. He believes that due to the construction of the new facilities, student interest in the Faculty of Economics will also increase.

The new faculty building will be located behind the H building. The five-story construction will include classrooms, study rooms, offices, as well as underground parking, relaxation zones, and a viewing terrace. A bicycle storage area will also be among the facilities.

"The reason for the relocation is mainly strategic, because in today's world, where the whole economy is undergoing transformation, it is becoming very important to connect technology and economics. Technologies alone, if they are not supported by some economic viability, make no sense. If we enter this area, I expect that there will be a closer connection between the technical faculties and the Faculty of Economics, not only from the perspective of science and research but also from the perspective of education," said Vojtěch Spáčil, the dean of the Faculty of Economics at VŠB-TUO.

According to him, building the new facilities means enhancing the competitiveness of the faculty. He added that the existing building is not only outdated but also very costly to operate. The new building will be energy-efficient, and the faculty should significantly save on operating costs.