The train station building in Havířov will not be demolished

Prague/Havířov - The supervisory board of the Czech Railways today approved the withdrawal from the project to build a transport terminal in Havířov, which involved the demolition of the current train station building. The Czech Press Agency was informed of this today by the Association of Organizations for the Protection and Development of Cultural Heritage of the Czech Republic (ASORKD) in a press release. A group of architects advocated for the preservation of the station, which is built in Brussels style. Czech Railways spokesperson Radek Joklík did not confirm the withdrawal from the project to the Czech Press Agency, only stating that it was on the agenda of today's board meeting.
The construction of the new transport terminal was a joint project of Havířov and Czech Railways. According to ASORKD, Czech Railways plans to reimburse the city for the incurred costs related to the project documentation. In the past, Havířov already indicated that it would seek reimbursement of costs amounting to 3.5 million crowns, the association stated. Havířov is also concerned that it will lose the European grant of 85 million crowns approved specifically for the construction of the transport terminal.
The proposal by the group of architects for the Havířov station to become a cultural monument was rejected by the Ministry of Culture in June. The building was thus expected to begin demolition in the fall. However, the preservation of the original station hall was also advocated by the Minister of Transport in resignation, Zdeněk Žák.
"We would like the building to be reconstructed. We want to present proposals for its future use to the public and to Czech Railways in February. We will once again attempt to establish communication with the city, its role is important for the future. The realization of the transport terminal is necessary, and that could be one of the first common discussion topics. It is essential to prepare for the next funding period," said the chairwoman of the Architecture Mine Association, Lucie Chytilová, today.
According to plans approved by the city council in June two years ago, construction of the new terminal was to begin this year and be completed next year. The terminal was intended to connect rail, bus, and personal transport. The total costs for its construction were to be around 200 million crowns.