In Zlín, the demolition of the burned 103rd building in the Baťa complex has started

Zlín - Demolition of the 103rd building in the former Baťa industrial complex began in Zlín today. The structure's stability was compromised after last year's largest fire in the Zlín region. Firefighters battled the blaze for three days last January, destroying stored electrical appliances worth 210 million crowns. The building was utilized by HP Tronic Zlín. The property's owner, Cream Real Estate, estimated the damage at 200 million crowns. The demolition is expected to last about two months, said Cream spokesperson Jaroslava Němcová to ČTK today.
    Excavators began tearing down the five-story old part of the building dating back to the Baťa era today. "The demolition will proceed in such a way that not a single person will enter the building," said Cream's manager Martin Jarolím to ČTK earlier. First, the eastern wall will be removed, then the remains of the burned electrical appliances will be excavated with an arm. Dangerous waste remained in about one-sixth of the structure.
    Cream will either build a new structure on the site or use the vacant space as a maneuvering area. The newer seven-story part of the building, constructed in 1992, will be preserved. Cream plans to renovate it, initially focusing on restoring the façade. Internal spaces will be adapted according to which client would utilize them. The company estimates renovation costs at 150 to 200 million crowns. The building is expected to continue serving as a warehouse.
    Several dozen firefighters battled the 103rd building fire. The city hall monitored the air quality and relocated children from kindergartens and nurseries in the center on the first day of the fire. According to Jarolím, the fire was likely caused by a faulty fluorescent light. The police confirmed to ČTK that it was not a criminal act and have closed the case.
    At the turn of last year and this year, Cream also demolished buildings 24 and 26 in the Baťa complex. A project called Fabrika is expected to begin construction in their place in two years, offering shops, offices, apartments, and spaces for the university in Zlín across three buildings.