REGION
Modernization of a City by the Foothills
Where modern times come together and meet a remarkable history. A city that was once formerly
divided by a road and river into four parts, has become not only alive and unified, but overall
a great place to live, and was achieved through careful interjection.
all of these previously unused areas are being integrated
into the city.
After completing the city bypass, the second challenge
will be modifying the current main traffic arteries - such
as Hlavní Třída - so that they no longer create a barrier,
separating the city in two, as it has done until now.
We are also nearing the anticipated reconstruction
of the Cultural Center. What phase is the project in
right now?
We are currently preparing the project documentation
for the reconstruction of the National House and former
pawn shop, into a city gallery and construction of
the New Stage Theatre. We are working in conjunction
with the professional public in order to iron out any
details and process any requirements that they might
have for the hall. The facility should be multifunctional
and feature variable seating in order to accommodate
theater performances, as well as, dance and musical
groups. These three buildings will be connected by
a vestibule and it will make up a new dignified Cultural
Center for Frýdek-Místek. The New Stage building was
designed by Eva Jiřičná.
Text: redakce
Foto: Magistrát města
Frýdek-Místek
Mr. Mayor, what awaits Frýdek-Místek in the
near future as far as its strategic development is
concerned?
Frýdek-Místek is currently preparing a new strategic
plan of development that aims to benefit both the city
and it’s citizens. In the near future, we will face two
key challenges. The first of which is fulfilling the
memorandum between the city and the Slezan Holding
company. Thanks to this memorandum, we were able
to make use of the decommissioned former textile
factories and make them a part of the city. The first steps
are already successful. A new city district and boulevard
was created by Těšínská and Nádražní streets. The
previously unused premises of the former Lamberger
factory with a beautiful art nouveau building was
purchased by the local businessman Gevorg Avetisjan
after consultations with the city leadership. Mr. Avetisjan
will turn the main building into a museum with a cafe
and rejuvenate the park. A part of this area will serve the
public, as well. Another Slezan facility currently hosts
the FaunaPark, and the estate of the former textile plant
in Frýdlantská street is prepared for a new investor. The
area will contain apartment buildings. Slowly but surely,
62 ǀ POSITIV 1/2023
What is the main argument you would use in order
to attract new foreign investors, as well as, Czech
investors to Frýdek-Místek? What can the city
currently offer potential investors?
We are in close contact with investors and we
negotiate with them to provide them with the most
favorable conditions as possible. Frýdek-Místek offers
great infrastructure, with excellent road and railway
connections, as well as the nearby airport in Mošnov.
Its location near the Ostrava agglomeration and
the Slovakian and Polish borders are another benefit.
Thanks to support from the city, Frýdek-Místek
regularly hosts many different festivals and cultural
events. Which of them would you like to highlight?
Why do you think such events are important?
We host and support a large number of events, and in
addition to those, I consider our trinity of festivals as
our city’s heritage. The International Folklore Festival
gained notoriety across the globe. The festival always
provides an inspirational atmosphere, which prompts
the attending children to take part in local folklore.
Next is the traditional Sweetsen Fest, which gives local
bands some exposure and raises money for charity.
Finally, we have the FM City Fest, which was founded
by native Mirai Navrátil. Festivals always brighten up
the city and I am glad that they are so deeply rooted in
the culture of Frýdek-Místek.
Mr. Korč, thank you for the interview.