The construction of a shopping center in Kladno for 1.5 billion will begin this year

Kladno - The project of the commercial and social-entertainment complex Central Kladno has undergone an environmental impact assessment after more than two years. The shopping center, costing over 1.5 billion crowns, is planned to be built in the largest city of Central Bohemia by the development company Crestyl. If they obtain the zoning and construction permits, work is expected to start this year. The construction is anticipated to be completed in the second half of 2012, said Radim Sayed, the company's commercial director. However, many local residents disagree with the construction of the complex, fearing mainly increased traffic burden and deterioration of the environment.
    According to Sayed, the investors have an agreement with merchants who would fill 40 percent of the retail space, although the project is still in the preparation phase. "Several other companies have expressed their interest," added Sayed. The center, which is set to grow in the heart of Kladno on land bordered by Ctiborova and Petra Bezruče streets, is expected to host a variety of shops and services, as well as a multiplex cinema, wellness center, and restaurants.
    However, the construction of the shopping center has many critics, who have established two civic associations and drafted a protest petition that has been signed by approximately 1,700 people. The more moderate association aims to adjust the construction plan, while radicals advocate for the complete cancellation of the project. People are particularly concerned about the significant increase in the burden on the environment.
    Martin Janeček from the civic association Kladno center told ČTK that he was counting on a favorable opinion from the regional office. "We will definitely participate in the zoning process to ensure that the conditions set forth in the documentation are met," stated Janeček.
    A similar stance was taken by the chair of the more radical civic association Pro Kladno, Jan Mourek. "We believe that many issues may still arise that will show that the project is unfeasible. For instance, geological surveys may have an impact," Mourek told ČTK.
    According to Mayor Dan Jiránek (ODS), the office will issue a construction permit if the investors meet all the conditions set out in the documentation. According to him, the city also counted on a positive opinion from the regional office. "The vast majority of the comments from civic associations have been addressed. The only exception is that they do not want the construction. Frankly speaking, this cannot even be assessed within the framework of the EIA documentation," Jiránek said.
    Currently, the Shopping JIH shopping center and the Oaza commercial complex in Kročehlava serve customers in Kladno. The new Central Kladno complex will cover an area of over 26,000 m². According to previous statements from the company, there will be around 90 shops here, providing jobs for 600 people.
    The development group Crestyl has been active in the Czech real estate market since 1996. Currently, it is engaged in the development of over 15 locations across the country with a total investment value exceeding one billion euros (over 24 billion crowns). In addition to Kladno, it is also developing projects in Chomutov, Most, and Prague, for example.