Protests against tree felling accompanied the opening of a shopping center in Pardubice

Pardubice - The construction of the Pernerka shopping and social center is starting in Pardubice, which will be built on the site of the demolished distillery. The first phase will be completed in the autumn of 2028. Today's laying of the foundation stone was accompanied by a happening for the linden trees that had to make way for the construction.

Part of the ceremonial event was accompanied by the noise and whistles of demonstrators. Because they did not have an invitation, they stood behind a fence and were not allowed into the area among the guests. "People will be entertained, spend their free time, and work at Pernerka. There will also be plenty of greenery, even though we hear that some think otherwise. I hope the result convinces them," responded Richard Morávek, the founder of the Redstone group, in his speech regarding the demonstrators.

The group of protesters came dressed in black mourning attire, as six linden trees stood at the location of the future road connection to the new center, and all that remains are stumps. According to the initiator of the action, Jiří Schmidt, it is the city's fault that Redstone cut them down.

"The fundamental problem is that the city does not condition new investments with the preservation of existing greenery for this project, as well as for other projects," Schmidt said to ČTK.

Mayor Jan Nadrchal (ANO), who participated in the laying of the foundation stone, refused to comment on the protest. "I'm not here for that today, I don't know the details," he told ČTK. When asked how he evaluates the investment project of the developer group, he said that the city lacks conference and hotel capacities that the new investment brings. "In a way, I’m glad that something modern will grow here that will serve the people," Nadrchal said.

As a shopping center, hotel, or office building is to be created on the site, increased traffic is expected. According to Deputy Mayor Jan Hrabal (ANO), the northeastern bypass will already be completed, which will divert part of the transit traffic elsewhere. "We perceive that the investor is actively trying to address traffic. The center will have multiple entrances. The transport service will be sufficient," Hrabal said.

The construction will be carried out by the company Syner. They will begin preparations, which include relocating utilities. The company will also drain the pit of the former distillery and build the construction site. The investor aims to open the first phase in the autumn of 2028.

The company will cover an area of 28,500 square meters. The center will have twenty food outlets, offices, about 200 shops, a supermarket, a four-star hotel with 146 beds, an entertainment area with a trampoline arena, a multiplex cinema with seven halls, and underground and rooftop parking with 1,100 spaces.

A footbridge will lead over Palacký Avenue to the center, which has both critics and supporters. "Mr. Morávek invited me to Olomouc a few years ago to see the footbridge in the Šantovka shopping center. A grade-separated crossing is always safer," said councilor and MP Martin Kolovratník (ANO).