In Mariánské Lázně, the demolition of the Baťa department store has begun

M. Lázně (Cheb Region) - Demolition of the Baťa department store has begun in Mariánské Lázně, which is in a state of disrepair. The previously protected building was closed last June based on a structural assessment; the deputy mayor of Mariánské Lázně and architect Vojtěch Franta (Pirates) has long unsuccessfully fought against its demolition. The Baťa building will thus become the second demolished structure in the city’s heritage zone this year, after the Rozkvět hotel.

The city, with Franta still as mayor, appealed the regional authority's decision on the demolition of the department store earlier this year, but unsuccessfully. "I tried to prevent it until the very last moment. I know that the owner had trouble allowing anyone to access the building, as it posed a danger to its surroundings all this time. Now, the structure has been standing here for several months without anyone addressing the fact that it poses a threat to the environment. Workers were even allowed in to dismantle the building by hand,” Franta told ČTK.

The Baťa shop building from 1932 was removed from the list of protected buildings by the Ministry of Culture based on a structural assessment. However, Franta does not consider this a correct step, as he believes it could set a dangerous precedent where a heritage site owner allows the property to deteriorate, and when it’s in a state of emergency, successfully requests the lifting of its heritage protection.

The triangular Baťa building has one underground and four above-ground floors, reaching a height of over 17 meters, including an extension. During the demolition work, the building will first be dismantled by hand, and only then will machinery be used. According to the structural engineer, the strength of the load-bearing structure has significantly decreased over time, and the building could endanger the lives of pedestrians.