The Academic Senate of UP approved the possible purchase of the Hanácké Barracks in Olomouc

Olomouc – The Academic Senate of Palacky University (UP) today approved the possible purchase of the Hanácké barracks in the center of Olomouc during an extraordinary session. At the beginning of September, a developer company, Redstone, won the auction organized by the Office for the Representation of the State in Property Affairs (ÚZSVM) for 89.1 million CZK. According to the auction conditions, the university can match Redstone's winning price until October 14 and preferentially acquire the extensive property from the state. The ÚZSVM has been trying to sell the monument-protected building since September 2021. The starting auction price was set at 262 million CZK, which the ÚZSVM gradually reduced to 89 million CZK in the 9th round of bidding.

The Academic Senate approved a resolution expressing no objections to declaring a binding interest in acquiring the Hanácké barracks, thus paving the way for their purchase. Senators also requested guarantees from UP's leadership that planned investment projects of the university would not be jeopardized by this real estate transaction and that contributions from the faculties would not increase. Rector Martin Procházka considers the acquisition of the Hanácké barracks from the state a strategic decision. He believes the purchase price of 89.1 million CZK is very favorable, and UP will finance it from its own resources.

ÚZSVM spokesperson Michaela Tesařová told ČTK that the office would wait for the written statement from UP and then inform the winner of the electronic auction, namely Redstone. "The possibility for a public entity to match the offer of a private company has been part of the conditions for the sale of the property established by the ÚZSVM from the beginning. Therefore, we are not surprised by this situation at all and will wait to see how the whole matter unfolds,” said Redstone spokesperson Petr Hlávka to ČTK.

UP plans to gradually renovate the building with an area of 23,490 square meters and will seek state and European grants. Experts estimated this year that the repairs would cost 1.896 billion CZK. The building is intended to create student accommodation, which is in significant demand at the university. Consideration is also being given to food services, offices, and conference rooms. Some of the spaces will serve as storage.

The rector presented the plan to the deans of all eight faculties, and only Dean Martin Kubala of the Faculty of Science opposed it. According to Kubala, the purchase and expensive renovation of the Hanácké barracks could undermine investments in further development of the university for many years. Kubala pointed out that the proposal does not specify a clear purpose for the use of the building and that there are uncertainties regarding the total costs and sources of financing.

Redstone acquired the Hanácké barracks on September 4 for 89.1 million CZK, with a minimum purchase price of 89 million CZK. Subsequently, the ÚZSVM offered the city of Olomouc, the region, and UP the option to match the price and acquire the barracks. If the municipalities or the university do not express interest in the property within 30 days of receiving the invitation, the state will conclude a contract with Redstone. The army used the Hanácké barracks for 170 years, and they have been empty since 2013. Earlier, the Olomouc region, alongside the Olomouc city hall and UP, expressed interest in them. However, experts alerted to the poor condition of the building and the high costs of renovation. The regional council subsequently revoked its previous resolution that would have allowed for the free acquisition of the barracks.