The second phase of the demolition of Slezanka in Opava has begun, and it is to be completed by the end of November

Opava – The second phase of the demolition of the former shopping center Slezanka has begun in the Upper Square in the historic center of Opava. The work, costing approximately 14 million crowns, is expected to be completed by the end of November. This was stated today by the city spokesman Roman Konečný.

"The contract includes the removal of another part of the building, disconnection from utility networks, fencing of the construction site, and the adjustment of the exposed wall of the neighboring building, including its insulation and new facade," said the spokesman. The demolition is being carried out by construction machinery without blasting. According to the city, this approach is intended to minimize the impact on the surrounding buildings and traffic in the center.

Workers demolished the first part of the building from February 9 to April 30. The division of the demolition into several phases was necessitated by property rights relations and the need to protect neighboring properties. The continuation of work was enabled by a final court decision, on the basis of which the city obtained another part of the property.

The future shape of the area has not yet been definitively determined. Opava is preparing an architectural-urban competition, which will also involve the buildings at Rybí trh 4, the former monastery, and the Theater Club. It will evaluate various options for the use of the area, including new construction with housing, services, and a cultural hall, public space, and underground parking. The possibility of leaving the area undeveloped is also being considered.

"The goal is to find a solution that will restore this part of the historic center and bring back natural urban life," stated Mayor Tomáš Navrátil (ANO). According to the city, both Czech and foreign architects, urban planners, and other experts will be involved in preparing the competition's terms of reference. The public, property owners of surrounding real estate, and entrepreneurs are also expected to participate. An international expert conference will be part of the preparations.

Since May, archaeologists have been exploring the former courtyard of Slezanka. They have discovered, among other things, cellars of former houses number 8 and 9, which may date back to the 16th or 17th century. The research has also revealed a remnant of a cesspit from the 17th century. Its damp filling has preserved wooden formwork, parts of textiles, and fragments of glass vessels.

The panel building of the Slezanka shopping center was built on the site of 17th-century brewery houses. The block, which had a housing estate appearance, connected with the historic buildings of the center. The building has long been problematic for the city council. The city purchased a majority stake in Slezanka in 2008 for 270 million crowns. Since then, it has been addressing possible uses for the property. In 2021, the councilors approved the demolition of the acquired part, which was completed in April.