Ostrava approved the plan for the exchange of land for a new courthouse complex in the city center

Ostrava - Today, Ostrava's city councilors approved the intention to exchange land that will allow for the construction of a new judicial complex. The state would acquire land in the city center, where the former Bauhaus hobby market is located, for the planned construction. In return, the city would obtain land with the District Court building in Ostrava, which could be utilized in the future, for example, by the Poruba municipality. The opposition pointed out that the material could have been better prepared.

Opposition councilor Zuzana Bajgarová (JDETO!!!) stated that her group would be willing to support the intention but requested the addition of certain conditions from the city. For example, she wanted an economic analysis for the acquisition of land in Poruba, including a construction-technical assessment of the courthouse building. She also required that an urban competition for the area where the judicial palace is to be built and an architectural competition for its design be conditions of the exchange.

"Representatives of the judiciary have been coming to the city for years saying that they need this. It’s not just that the city needs it. They need to expand their capacities, modernize their space. So there is certainly room for negotiation," said Bajgarová.

After a discussion among the councilors, the coalition movement ANO requested a pause and had the material amended. It took into account the opposition's comments. The city council will be tasked with ensuring the preparation of a technical-economic analysis that will evaluate the adaptation of the current district court for the needs of the Poruba office. Furthermore, city representatives will strive with maximum effort during negotiations with the Ministry of Justice to promote an urban-architectural competition for the design of the judicial palace and its surroundings. After these adjustments, the intention of the exchange was unanimously approved by all present councilors.

According to earlier information, the judicial complex is set to be built in Ostrava by 2030. The state-funded construction is expected to cost 1.5 billion crowns. After its completion, employees of the District Court of Ostrava, the District Prosecutor's Office of Ostrava, the Probation and Mediation Service of Ostrava, and the Regional Prosecutor's Office of Ostrava, nearly 500 people in total, will move to the judicial complex. Originally, the city allocated a plot of 6,000 square meters near the Božena Němcová Park for the judicial complex. However, it ultimately chose a plot of 11,804 square meters directly in the city center for the exchange. Mayor Jan Dohnal (Together) stated that the city had negotiated with the state about several locations. It turned out that the originally selected plot was not entirely suitable for the purpose, for example, from a traffic perspective.

An expert report on the valuation of the real estate that is part of the exchange will still be prepared. Before the exchange is carried out, the city will remove the former hobby market at its own expense. A demolition order has been issued, and a contractor is being sought. The demolition is expected to be completed by the end of January next year.