Ostrava as an Opportunity for Developers
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BUSINESS
What types of development projects are
currently critical for the city, given its
strategic plan? Are there specific areas
where Ostrava expects these projects to
bring particular benefits?
It’s a complex question right at the start,
but why not. From my perspective, it’s not
entirely straightforward to define the term
"development projects." Keep in mind
that under the Strategic Development
Plan of the city – branded as fajnOVA –
hundreds of similar initiatives are being
carried out.
For Ostrava, as a regional center,
transportation infrastructure is key. In
this regard, we are striving to build high-
speed rail lines, and the transformation
and enhancement of the forecourt
of Ostrava’s Main Train Station are also on
the agenda. Regarding the road network,
the construction of the Northern Link and
the revitalization of Místecká Street from
the sports hall to the highway connector
are absolutely essential for us. Thanks
to these constructions, the division
of the city by transport arteries will finally
cease, which will ease the burden on all
types of road traffic.
When we think about transportation, we
don’t just stay "on the ground," literally.
The mentioned strategic plan also
addresses the continued development
of Ostrava Airport. We would like to
see the airport area become not only
a pleasant place for passengers but also
for entrepreneurs and local residents.
But "the strategic plan is not sustained by
transportation alone." We also remember
art, sports, education—in short, areas that
add value to the city, the ones that make
people stay where they feel comfortable.
So let’s be current and specific.
What significant projects have been
completed recently, and which ones are
ongoing?
Again, a question for a thick book.
Here, I would like to highlight
at least those projects that improve
the quality of urban living and Ostrava’s
architectural landscape. We have
completed the construction of residential
buildings like Stodolní, Nové Lauby,
and Janáčkova. In the field of cultural
projects, the renovation of the Poklad
Cultural Center has been successfully
completed. I must also mention
the opening of the City Campus Ostrava
university complex at Černá Louka
or the revival of the iconic Ostravica-
Textilia department store. We also
care about the well-being of seniors,
reflected in the modern extension
and addition to the Korýtko Senior
Home. The revitalisation of the first-
republic Grossmann Villa has received
enormous acclaim, hosting popular
social and cultural events, and visitors
"storming" for a tour. I find it necessary
to also mention the reconstruction
of the historic slaughterhouse into
the home of the contemporary art
gallery PLATO. Its project made it to
the finals of the prestigious EU Prize
for Contemporary Architecture – Mies
van der Rohe Award. No other Czech
building has ever achieved this before.
Of course, the crowning jewel Ostrava’s
architecture will be the new concert hall
designed by the famous architect Steven
Holl, whose foundation stone we laid this
year. It will serve not only as a top-notch
music venue but also as an architectural
landmark, a social and artistic hub, and
a gathering place.
Please consider this list as a brief
overview of the most visible projects—we
truly have many.
What specifically might interest
developers in Ostrava in the future?
That’s exactly what we ask them. This
year, the city initiated a "round table
with local developers" on the alignment
of the city's needs with their demands.
This discussion revealed, for instance,
developers’ interest in projects related
to housing in desirable locations or
establishing administrative complexes
in areas with good connectivity—
which brings us back to transportation
infrastructure. Here, developers'
interests align with the needs of Ostrava’s
residents and businesses. I would say
that the area near Bauhaus, gaps along
Českobratrská Street, or the Černá
Louka area have great potential for
development. The planned construction
of an entirely new district, Pod Žofinkou,
also promises significant opportunities.
As the city administration, we are happy
to accommodate developers, but we also
set clear and unambiguous requirements
reflecting our priorities. A satisfied
investor – a satisfied city – a satisfied
Ostravian; that’s how the final product
should look.
You’ve set me up perfectly for the final
question. What should the ideal
relationship between the city and
a private developer look like? Is it being
achieved?
Overall, yes. I can say that relationships
are usually good and constructive.
Smooth implementations of complex
projects like Středoškolská, Stodolní,
Ostrčilova, the technology park, or
industrial zones serve as evidence.
As I hinted, it’s about finding
the intersection where the expectations
and visions of all involved parties meet.
Imagine the whole process like this: we
sell the land in question advantageously,
the developer, who meets all the city’s
necessary investment commitments,
makes a profit and gains good publicity,
and the city’s residents enjoy the fruits
of this collaboration. As the saying goes,
where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Thank you for the interview.
“
In this regard, we are
striving to build high-speed rail
lines, and the transformaon
and enhancement of the
forecourt of Ostrava’s Main
Train Staon are also on
the agenda.
”
“
As the city administraon,
we are happy to accommodate
developers, but we also set
clear and unambiguous
requirements reecng our
priories.
”