BUSINESS

around 400m CZK, and 700m CZK will go towards

water infrastructure. Furthermore, the transformation

of the former slaughterhouse into a city gallery will be

completed this year; the Grossmann villa renovation is

also underway; there is a new sports hall in Třebovice;

parking facilities near Poklad in Poruba; and many new

projects will be started, such as a parking facility near

the city zoo, a park near Bořík, the reconstruction of the

Dřevoprodej transfer node and a bridge for pedestrians

and cyclists into DOV. Investments this year include

myriad projects, spanning many fields.

Which of the most significant investments do you

consider key?

What I consider key is the search for equilibrium between

development of different districts across the city, from

technical infrastructure to culture. The city is currently

in a very favorable economic situation, which allows us

to invest in important sports, cultural, social as well as

transportation projects. From the point of view of city

development, I believe that the construction of the new

concert hall is among the most important, as last year this

project was nominated for the top ten most anticipated

construction projects in the city.

What phase is the concert hall’s construction in

currently? Are there any specific dates?

We initially planned to begin construction this year.

Considering the current situation, however, we will

have to evaluate this decision further. Currently, the

documentation for the building permit is being discussed.

If all goes well, we will be able to begin the first stage

of construction—land preparation—in the second half of

this year. The reconstruction and building extension itself

would then begin in 2023.

Could you list some key investments into

transportation?

This year, we would like to begin construction on the

extended Masná street and the new Pivovarská street. We

will also be realizing the construction of a roundabout

near the McDonald’s in Poruba, a pedestrian and cyclist

bridge to DOV as well as one to Bazaly. We also have not

forgotten about cycling paths—there will now be one on

Cholevova street and a new connection to Vřesina will

also be constructed.

What aspect of the city do you feel has the most

potential? What can it use to attract new investors?

Ostrava is changing, step by step, and that makes

a real difference when it comes to investor interest. For

investors, it is important to see that city plans such as

apartment complexes, a new Ostrava University faculty

building near Černá Louka or dominant structures such

as the concert hall, are not simply visions, but quickly

become reality. The city is also preparing complex areas

for construction, for example, the deeply attractive area

near Polská street on the cusp of Poruba and Svinov and

by Středoškolská street in Ostrava-Jih

Dear Deputy Mayor, thank you for the interview.

Text: redakce

Foto: archiv

Zuzany Bajgarové

Historická městská jatka

Vizualizace: Robert Konieczny, KWK Promes

POSITIV 1/2022 ǀ 25