The Brno Diocese has purchased the shopping gallery Velký Špalíček

Brno – The Brno Bishopric has purchased the Velký Špalíček shopping mall in the city center from Generali Immobilien. The transaction was previously reported by the E15 newspaper, and the bishopric has so far only published brief information. According to the press release, Velký Špalíček is seen not only as a place for shopping and entertainment but also as a space for socializing and leisure activities.

The bishopric has invested part of the funds obtained from compensation for property not released in church restitutions into the property. Additionally, it has taken out a bank loan. The total price is not known. The yield from the property is planned to be used by the bishopric for the long-term financing of the church's main activities, pastoral care, education, and social services.

Velký Špalíček is a project from the second half of the 1990s. It was built on the site of former medieval buildings that were bombed during World War II. The ceremonial opening took place in 2001. The investor, the company Intercom with international capital, stated at that time that the complex has an area of 15,675 m² and the investment reached a billion crowns.

Part of the professional and lay public criticized the project. The ceremonial opening was accompanied by a protest that included throwing tomatoes at the then-mayor Petr Duchoň (ODS).

The complex houses dozens of shops, a multiplex cinema, underground garages, restaurants, and offices. Through a system of passages and walkways, one can walk from Panská Street towards Starobrněnská and Dominikánská Streets and Šilingrovo Square.