The Significance of the Project for the Region and the Community
The Significance of the Project for the Region and the Community
30 ǀ POSITIV 1/2025
BUSINESS ROZHOVOR
We approached representaves of tourism, local government and civic iniaves to share their
view on the sawmill’s transformaon and its impact on the region and local community.
Renovaon project on the scale of Ostravice’s sawmill would be unrealisc without cooperaon
with the municipality. Ostravice mayor, Mgr. Pavlína Stankayová views the project as valuable for
the town, especially in terms of culture, sports and business development. Another key step is
coordinang eorts with investors, who will further help the infrastructural development. How is
this collaborave project progressing and what is planned for the future?
What is your view on what WOODARÉNA can bring
to Ostravice?
This project is of great significance to the town of
Ostravice, especially in terms of tourism. We have
2 500 citizens and 1 300 summer homes, which is
a unique split for Czechia. In the summer season, the
number of people in the town increases by around
6 000, which also strains the infrastructure.
The newly renovated complex offers a venue for
concerts and other events. The town itself has not
made use of WOODARENA yet, however, the complex
is already hosting events that attract locals as well as
visitors. These events include Pojez fest, the folklore
festival, various balls, and large sporting events such as
the Beskydy seven race.
Having a large parking lot by the sawmill is definitely
advantageous. The new traffic and the reconstruction
project bring the town business as well, tourists spend
time in Ostravice, visit the shops and support the local
economy.
WOODARÉNA was built on a brownfield which used
to be an old sawmill. What is your evaluation of the
renovation and cooperation with the municipality?
Our cooperation has been good and fair. The investor
communicates with us actively and is interested in
hearing our opinion, which is something we value. The
owner of the property realises the strategic location of
the complex, as it is located in the town center, and
plans on developing it further by constructing a square
with commercial units. If negotiations go well with the
Oder River Basin, we would also like to create a resting
area with seating by the Oder riverbed, which would
create a comfortable place for locals and visitors to
spend time. Furthermore, a bike path will be connected
to the sawmill complex.
A block of residential housing is also a part of this
project. This will not simply be a standalone apartment
complex, but a space open to the public that blends into
the town. If we manage to populate these apartments
with permanent residents, I believe this will be greatly
beneficial. On the other hand, if these apartments
become investment properties for short term rental,
the impact will be much smaller. Unfortunately, we
cannot force anyone to become a permanent resident,
even though we are trying to put in place incentives
that motivate people to stay.
There are currently multiple ongoing development
projects in Ostravice, including WOODARÉNA,
that are entirely privately funded by investors. How
is the town supporting these investments? Are you
planning on improving the town’s infrastructure?
Rather than the infrastructure being funded by the town,
we expect the investors to take part in it. The municipal
council approved a list of principles for cooperation
with investors, which clearly outline the rules for the
development of Ostravice. Each development project
carries a certain level of infrastructural strain, whether
it is more traffic, winter maintenance, public lighting
or connection to the water and sewage network.
This is why we feel it is important for investors to also
contribute to the development of infrastructure.
Thank you for the interview.
The Signicance of the Project
for the Region and the Community
We consider it important that investors
also contribute to the development of
public infrastructure.