Zlín Town Hall is completing the renovation of the underpass to the Baťa complex

The reconstruction began last September, and the underpass will be fully operational for the public at the beginning of next week. Workers demolished the above-ground structures on the Práce Square side, and new escalators, an elevator, lighting, and sanitation facilities were added. The area will be monitored by three cameras operated by the municipal police.
    The original estimated costs for the reconstruction were 68 million crowns, but the price decreased during the bidding process, said the mayor's deputy Jiří Kadeřábek (Zlínská volba).
    The residents of Zlín followed the transformation of the underpass; according to Dvořák, for example, they discussed whether the uncovered stairs and escalator would function properly in bad weather. However, according to experts, there should not be any issues. "The staircase is equipped with electric heating; it is not necessary to cover the escalator either. It is designed to operate under any weather conditions," stated Petr Hloušek from the investment project realization department of the city hall.
    People also noted that the slope of the stairs was steeper than before. "Everything is the same as it was. However, since one now descends on an uncovered staircase, many people visually feel that they are walking on steeper stairs than before," Kadeřábek pointed out.
    The town hall did not repair part of the underpass where the small shops are, as they could not reach an agreement on construction modifications with the owners, who were also concerned about lost profits during the reconstruction. "The city offered to build new retail spaces at a cost of six million crowns; however, the merchants demanded their transfer to private ownership, compensation in the millions, and additional benefits, such as new shop fronts or security grilles. We could not agree to that; those were excessive demands. However, without their consent, it was not possible to reconstruct the entire underpass. The lots where they have their businesses are leased for fifty years, meaning until 2042," Kadeřábek said.
    The reconstruction of the underpass is one of three projects that have recently changed the appearance of the center of Zlín. Last year, the reconstruction of Gahurov Prospect, the space in front of the Cultural and University Center, was completed for 16 million crowns; the revitalization of Komenský Park and the adjacent Školní Street for 54 million crowns will also be completed by summer.