NPÚ will request the regional authority to verify the approval for Šantovka Tower

Olomouc - The National Heritage Institute (NPÚ) will ask the Olomouc Regional Office to review the actions of the city hall, whose heritage officials approved the planned construction of the Šantovka Tower high-rise building near the historic center of Olomouc. František Chupík, the director of the Olomouc branch of NPÚ, said this to ČTK today. The position of the city hall's heritage officials differs from the recommendations of NPÚ, and their decision is important for the Šantovka investor, as it may continue to prepare the project.
    "We will ask the regional office to initiate a review procedure of the binding opinion of the Olomouc city hall," Chupík stated. According to him, the Šantovka Tower project is contrary to the principles of regional development, the regulatory plan of the urban heritage reserve, and the regulations of the Ministry of Culture. The construction of the Šantovka Tower building, which would share the position of the second tallest building in the city with the town hall at 75 meters, is also opposed by the scientific council of the NPÚ. The height of the dominant building in the center of Olomouc is considered unacceptable by the scientific council, as it would significantly damage the panorama of the city's historic center.
    The Šantovka Tower project was prepared by SMC Development. The building, located next to the new shopping center Galerie Šantovka, is planned to have 22 floors. SMC Development estimates the construction costs to be 400 million crowns. The building is designed to accommodate about 80 apartments. If SMC Development obtains the necessary permits, it intends to begin construction in 2014.
    Today, the leadership of the Faculty of Arts of Palacký University opposed the Šantovka Tower, stating that the project could damage the historical appearance of the city. "We call on the relevant institutions, the academic community, and the general public to resolutely oppose the plans for the construction of the Šantovka Tower high-rise building," said the dean of the Faculty of Arts, Jiří Lach, to ČTK. An assembly of opponents of the high-rise building has been called for Tuesday in the center of Olomouc.
    Investors reject their opponents' concerns and claim that the panorama of Olomouc will not be disrupted. "Our position is unchanged. We are continuing with the project; there is unnecessary hysteria around it. Thanks to Galerie Šantovka, our visualization corresponds to reality. The non-binding opinion from the city hall has confirmed our stance. We have not submitted any manipulative images, and we believe that this building belongs in Olomouc," said investor representative Richard Morávek to ČTK.
    Currently, there are two new high-rise buildings in Olomouc. The Regional Center Olomouc reaches 71 meters, and the building of the Moravian University is 74 meters tall. The new zoning plan, which has not yet come into effect, does not anticipate more high-rise buildings near the urban heritage reserve. The Ministry of Culture expressed opposition to their construction during the preparation of the zoning plan.
    The Šantovka Tower project is under review by city hall officials. However, SMC Development, according to previous statements, does not intend to wait for the new zoning plan to be approved. If it obtains a permit based on the current zoning plan, it can start construction even after the new version comes into effect. The new zoning plan is expected to take effect in 2014.