Ostrava will announce an architectural competition for the reconstruction of the Svinov granary

Ostrava - The city of Ostrava continues preparations for the rescue of the listed granary in the Svinov district. It plans to announce an architectural competition. The conversion of the granary is expected to cost around 98 million korunas excluding VAT, without interior fittings. This was stated today by the spokesperson of the municipality, Gabriela Pokorná.

The Svinov granary is one of the oldest preserved buildings in the city. It stands at the intersection of Nad Porubkou and Bílovecká streets. It consists of two structures: the granary itself and a former residential building attached to the eastern façade of the granary. "There are not many preserved sources about the construction; however, thanks to dendrological research, the dating of the roof structure has been set to 1750. The granary stands on the site of the old farmyard of the Wilczków family, where the Svinov fortress was originally located,” said Pokorná.

The historical granary was not maintained in the past, and only the outer stone walls remain. The roof had to be removed due to its poor condition, and the load-bearing structures also required static reinforcement.

"The Svinov granary is a unique testimony to the agricultural history of this part of the city. The city has decided to save this building and has therefore connected with its previous owners and purchased the building for approximately 2.2 million korunas. Now, there is nothing preventing the preparation for its reconstruction and preservation,” stated councilor Markéta Langrová (ANO).

After acquiring the property, the city, among other things, had a 3D scan done of both buildings along with their static assessment. The reconstruction of the granary plans to preserve the outer walls as well as the vaults and structures in its interior. The object is intended to be fitted with social facilities, heating, ventilation, and necessary installations.

"Key to the reconstruction of the building and especially its further use and effective operational financing is to find the right solution that will combine architectural solutions connecting preserved historical structures with new spaces, new materials, or new uses. This is not an easy task, especially concerning the heritage values of the building; therefore, we have decided to seek such a solution through an architectural competition,” Langrová stated. She anticipates that a city library could be placed in the building, which would also serve as a community center. It is also to include a new multifunctional hall that could be used not only by the library but also for concerts, exhibitions, or theatrical performances.

The city has already prepared a concept for the conditions of the architectural competition. On Monday, the competition jury met at its inaugural meeting. "It addressed, among other things, the other materials needed for the city council, which will subsequently officially announce the competition,” added Langrová.