Palacký University considers purchasing Haná barracks in Olomouc

The Academic Senate of Palacký University (UP) has approved the potential acquisition of the Haná Barracks in the center of Olomouc. This decision follows a recent auction where the development company Redstone won the property with a bid of CZK 89.1 million. However, under the auction’s terms, UP has until October 14 to match Redstone’s bid and secure priority purchase of the historic building.

The Haná Barracks, listed as a protected site, has been up for sale by the Office for the Representation of the State in Property Matters (ÚZSVM) since September 2021. Initially valued at CZK 262 million, the price was reduced to CZK 89 million by the ninth round of the auction, which concluded in early September.

The Academic Senate’s decision paves the way for UP to express formal interest in acquiring the barracks. However, the Senate also requested assurances from university leadership that the purchase would not jeopardize other planned investments or increase the financial burden on the faculties.

UP Rector Martin Procházka views the potential purchase as a strategic move, citing the favorable price. “The CZK 89.1 million purchase price is very advantageous, and the university will finance it from its own resources,” said Procházka.

According to Michaela Tesařová, spokesperson for ÚZSVM, the agency will await UP’s written decision and then notify Redstone. Redstone, which won the auction, is not surprised by the situation. “We will see how this plays out, but this possibility was always part of the auction conditions,” said Petr Hlávka, Redstone’s spokesperson.

UP plans to renovate the 23,490 square-meter building, seeking state and European subsidies to cover the estimated CZK 1.896 billion cost. The renovated barracks would include much-needed student housing, offices, conference halls, catering facilities, and storage spaces. However, the Dean of the Faculty of Science, Martin Kubala, voiced opposition, warning that the purchase and extensive renovation could divert funds from other important university projects for years. He also raised concerns about the building’s future use and the uncertainty surrounding the full cost and funding sources.

The Haná Barracks, which had been used by the military for 170 years, has been vacant since 2013. The property’s deteriorating condition and the high cost of repairs have long been a concern for potential buyers. Previously, both the Olomouc Region and the city of Olomouc, along with UP, had expressed interest in acquiring the site, but those plans were eventually dropped due to the building’s poor state.

If Palacký University does not proceed with the purchase by the October 14 deadline, the state will finalize the sale to Redstone.

Source: CTK