The renovated mining tower in Ostrava-Kunčičky awaits new use

Ostrava - The restored pit tower of the former Alexander Mine in Ostrava-Kunčičky, which was reconstructed by the state enterprise Diamo, is awaiting its new use. It could serve, for example, as an art gallery, offices, or storage spaces. Jana Dronská, the media representative of the company, said this today to ČTK.

"The northern and southern wings can be utilized. Both are structurally separate from the actual mining building. After the repair, their connection to the water supply and sewage can allow both parts to be used as studios, galleries, offices, or storage spaces," Dronská said.

The mining building of the Alexander Shaft is part of the already closed Alexander Mine, which was opened in 1896. The entire mining area was built from scratch in a so-called castle composition. "The buildings, especially the facades of the mining building, were very elaborate with many architectural elements, many of which have been preserved to this day," the spokesperson said. The construction, whose reconstruction is nearing completion, was finished in 1901. In 1993, the site was declared a cultural monument due to its exceptional appearance.

"Coal mining at the Alexander Shaft began in 1898 and ended in 1992. In 1993 and 1994, both Alexander Shafts 1 and 2 were closed down," she added. The buildings were transferred to the ownership of Diamo, which had them repaired. The work, primarily involving facade repairs, cost around 9.5 million crowns. The company will only carry out internal modifications based on the building's further use. A decision on this will be made next year based on the interested parties.

The state enterprise Diamo has been caring for the areas of former mines and mitigating the consequences of mining activities in the Ostrava-Karviná region for 14 years now.

"The Ostrava branch of Odra currently manages 15 mining sites and two non-mining sites. It takes care of 13 immovable and movable cultural monuments, among which are mining towers and several other buildings as well as mining equipment," Dronská enumerated.

About half of the 647 acquired properties have been gradually dismantled by the branch, while others have found new uses. They have been gradually filled by 147 companies employing 2,600 people. The areas host engineering firms, manufacturers of components for the automotive industry, window manufacturers, freight transport companies, an insurance company, and even upholstery and locksmith services.

"Among the most successful areas in terms of new use is the J. Šverma Mine in Ostrava, where over a thousand people work in various companies. The Jeremenko Mine, where we are located, is also busy, with 25 companies employing almost 500 people in addition to our two hundred staff," stated the director of the Odra branch, Josef Havelka.