In Opava, the renovation of the department store Breda will begin on Wednesday

Opava - Renovation of the Breda department store will begin in Opava on Wednesday. Architects are looking for a new use for the nearly 100-year-old building. Roman Konečný, the city's spokesperson, said this today. This year, the construction company will focus primarily on replacing the windows. There are 170 windows on the building. At the time of its opening in 1928, it was the largest department store in the country.

"This year, the iconic building designed by architect Leopold Bauer will receive new windows and a facade. Meanwhile, architects are seeking new uses for the famous department store," Konečný said. He added that the work will begin in the coming days. "The first phase of the renovation includes the replacement of 170 dilapidated windows, which will be replaced with faithful replicas, as well as facade repairs, replacement of the water supply connection, construction of a freight elevator, and facade repairs," the spokesperson noted. The work is expected to cost the city budget 28.5 million crowns. It should be completed by the end of July next year.

"I am pleased that after long preparatory work, we can finally start the first phase of the construction. Given that this is a unique listed building, we must consult everything with heritage conservationists. However, we all want Breda to return to Opava and regain its lost identity," said Mayor Tomáš Navrátil (ANO).

The city council approved the purchase of the dilapidated department store for 39.5 million crowns at the end of 2021. Since then, rescue work has been carried out on the property to stop further devastation of the building. The roof was repaired, with funds from a public collection being used, along with the dome; the builders dismantled wooden elements, cleared individual floors, and the city commissioned a detailed 3D model of the building, which will significantly help with further design work.

"Such a digital model is essential given the upcoming intentions and work that the city, as the owner, is preparing, because it shows us the technical properties and structures, which we will then have under control. It will help us, for example, with energy measures, electricity and water distribution, and other technical and technological issues that the renovation will impact," said the chief architect of the city of Opava, Petr Stanjura.

The cultural monument, which belonged to the bankrupt company of entrepreneur Kamil Kolka, was acquired by the city for 39.5 million crowns. The total cost of the renovation is expected to be around 300 million crowns. The annual operation of the building, which has 10,000 square meters, is expected to cost about 17.7 million crowns. Conversely, the city should generate about 15.8 million crowns from rental income and service payments. The difference would then be covered by city subsidies for the operation of the building.