Ostrava is exploring the possibilities of expanding the Science and Technology Park

Ostrava - The city of Ostrava will explore alternative options for the expansion of the Science and Technology Park (VTP). Today, Mayor Tomáš Macura (ANO) told journalists this information. Originally, the city wanted the VTP to expand into the so-called Myslivna area in the Poruba district, where it also purchased land for approximately 100 million crowns for this purpose. However, this met with resistance from locals and the district, who were unhappy that such expansion would disrupt the sought-after recreational area in this part of Ostrava.

As a result of discussions, a working group was formed, led by architect Eva Špačková, which was tasked with finding possible alternatives. A total of 54 locations within the city were evaluated as part of the study. Fourteen areas were studied in detail, ultimately leading to the identification of three locations. These are the area around Opavská Street, the Nad Porubkou zone, and the boundary between the Poruba and Svinov districts near Polská Street. The city now wants to have a feasibility study prepared for these three locations.

“We wished for a project that naturally creates a new working vision for Ostrava and at the same time means something for all Ostravans, not just for those who would be newly employed there. Architects say it should be city-forming,” Špačková stated. According to her, the era of single-function parks meant for shopping or work in modern urban planning is coming to an end.

The city received the study with alternative solutions last week. “At this moment, three locations have been identified that will undergo further in-depth examination. Within three months, we should be smarter and know which direction we can take,” noted Macura. According to him, it cannot be said at this moment that the city is definitively withdrawing from its original intention to expand the park into the Myslivna area. “It should be noted that the preparation of the project in this location was approved by the city authorities, although it was in the previous electoral period; we are, of course, bound by them. If we wanted to cancel the project, I could only present an alternative option to the councilors if I had a prepared alternative,” the mayor said. The councilors would then definitively decide whether the city would abandon its original plans.

According to Martin Bobek from the petition committee, opponents of the VTP expansion into the Myslivna area are satisfied with the current developments. “It is important for us to maintain the principle of common meeting places so that, in a way, the water does not close over it. It is also important for us that the study has found other alternative locations,” Bobek stated. He reminded that over 10,000 people supported the petition.

The city has been promised a grant from the Ministry of Industry and Trade program for the expansion of the park, which could reach a total of more than 148 million crowns.