Ostrava and the Strategic Development Plan: does it need developers?
This year, the city completed the preparation of a new strategic development plan for Ostrava with a view to 2030. The main vision is basically unchanged from previous plans. Among the priorities remain the effort to connect the city internally and with the world and the revitalisation of the historic core. Closely related to this is the construction of new buildings that Ostrava can be proud of and that will benefit the wider public. However, the local government cannot satisfy such construction on its own. Private investors are therefore becoming important drivers of urban development. Only an open and cooperative approach from both sides has the potential to develop the city in a meaningful way - through environmentally sustainable construction and valuable architecture.
"Ostrava is to fulfil its role as a modern metropolis in the future. The development and revitalisation of the whole of Ostrava, including part of the historic core, is therefore one of the fundamental goals of the strategic development plan," says Hana Tichánková, Deputy Mayor of Ostrava.
The historic centre is the showcase of the city, but its reputation needs to be improved.
"There is no doubt that one of the key objectives for the coming years should be the revitalisation of the centre. This is what represents us in Europe among visitors and potential investors. It reveals our interesting history, serves as a meeting place and generally shapes the overall impression of the city. Not to mention the fact that the historic core should be a pleasant place to live for the inhabitants of Ostrava themselves," comments Ondřej Vysloužil, director of the Municipal Studio of Spatial Planning and Architecture (MAPPA). The strategic development plan considers the area bounded by the Ostravice River, Porážková Street and 30 April to Nová Radnice to be this area. This is an area where a number of vacant and abandoned sites have appeared in recent decades, which has negatively affected the reputation of the entire metropolis.
The city is an agent of change. Pilot projects are being followed up by others in the pipeline.
Despite this, Ostrava is changing dynamically for the better. Partly through civic initiatives or natural development, but mainly thanks to key investments supported by the city. "Among the first swallows is the successful revitalisation of the historic slaughterhouse building from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries into the PLATO contemporary art gallery. The rescue took six long years, but it was definitely worth it. The result is a unique combination of original historical elements with modern operational solutions that are unique not only in our country, but also in the world. This is evidenced by the building's shortlisting for the European Union Mies van der Rohe Award for Contemporary Architecture 2024, which will be announced on Thursday 25 April," says Ondřej Vysloužil.
Currently, extensive modifications are being carried out at Černá louka, near which the project for the multifunctional campus of the University of Ostrava was completed last year. At the same time, work is being done to connect the centre with the Lower Vítkovice area and to develop the area in general. Dr. E. Beneš Square is also to be completely cultivated, which will create a pleasant environment for leisure and community activities such as markets and festivals. The redevelopment of Bishop Bruno Square is in the pipeline.
Residential development should not be overlooked. A brand new project is in the pipeline right on Stodolní
One of the basic conditions for the revival of the city centre is to increase the number of residents in the area. Currently, a private investor is planning to build on a brownfield site at the interface of Stodolní, Porážková and Masná streets. The city has identified the site as its development area and has announced a tender for the land. The winning project was Rezidence Stodolní by the developer Linkcity, which has extensive experience in building on urban brownfields in Pardubice, Chrudim and Prague. In this case, it will contribute to the transformation of the historic core of Moravská Ostrava in close proximity to the PLATO gallery.
Between it and the residential complex, the developer is designing a new pedestrian zone with plenty of greenery and places to relax, which will be a joint investment of the city and the developer. The Residence Stodolní by the developer Linkcity is a multifunctional building with 131 apartments currently on sale, as well as retail units on the ground floor, which will expand the existing range of shops and services in the area. The architectural concept from renowned studio Bogle Architects is inspired by the transformation of disused industrial sites in London and other Western European capitals. The project respects the history of the site while bringing modern architecture to it. Its final form takes into account all the comments of the city and the Municipal Area Planning and Architecture Studio (MAPPA).
"The key role in the process of the city's transformation is played by its inhabitants and the construction of housing. If, as in this case with Rezidence Stodolní, the developer comes up with a proposal for a high-quality and architecturally interesting development with community elements, the likelihood of achieving our goals definitely increases, because we will attract new residents to the centre," says Hana Tichánková.
Zdeněk Kašpar, Sales Director at Linkcity, adds. You can hardly find similar places in other parts of the country. Besides, I don't know of any other city that has such a meticulously crafted development plan and has followed its vision. There are clearly visible changes that bring with them positive energy and motivation to live and work in Ostrava. I firmly believe that Rezidence Stodolní with its world-class housing parameters will become another reason to live in Ostrava."
The story of Ostrava's most famous street does not end there. It is looking for its place on the new city map
The fame of Stodolní was born in the 1990s. The street benefited from a diverse range of local venues that focused on live concerts of various musical genres and rich cultural programmes. It was here that the first edition of the Colours of Ostrava festival was held. However, this situation lasted only until 2003, after which Stodolní was gradually taken over by bars and discotheques with uniform dance entertainment. Only the coronavirus pandemic brought a change, the effects of which brought Stodolní closer to a regular city street that operates during the day. Bistros and restaurants where people go for lunch or weekend breakfasts have been added. There are offices and shops.
"The return of the 'golden' era of the district, which has become a phenomenon in Ostrava and perhaps even nationwide, may come soon. This is thanks to natural development combined with new construction. Culture may spread from one part of it from the PLATO gallery, and modern gastronomy from the other. All of this supported by high-quality, architecturally valuable residential development with elements for the general public that will help bring new life here," says Zdeněk Kašpar.
The recent transformation of both banks of the Ostravice River shows that this is possible. The city has invested tens of millions of crowns in landscaping and the area around Havlíčkův embankment near the Sýkorova Most bridge has gradually become a popular leisure destination not only among young people. Among other things, the Dock club or the alternative cultural centre Provoz, which organises a literary or film festival, are active here.
Source: Ostrava and CTK
Photo: Ostrava.cz
