Ostrava is preparing a renovation of the fifty-year-old crematorium, the only one in the region, for 200 million

Ostrava - The city of Ostrava is preparing the reconstruction of the crematorium, which is the only one in the Moravian-Silesian region. The technical condition of the 55-year-old crematorium is not adequate. The two-year reconstruction could begin in 2026. It is estimated to cost 200 million crowns excluding VAT. The city and the crematorium should contribute to the costs, with the crematorium potentially taking out a loan for part of the modernization. This was stated today by Deputy Mayor Aleš Boháč (Mayors for Ostrava).

The future appearance of the reconstructed memorial site emerged from an architectural competition. Out of 11 submissions meeting the contest conditions, the proposal from the company Meerkatelier was selected. The winning design respects the original appearance of the building, which will be modernized. The project documentation is expected to be completed this year.

"The construction project involves the modification of the existing building, consisting of extensions, upper floors, raising parapets, and other structural changes to the crematorium. The reconstructed building should look like a new construction after the modifications, several structures will be visually combined into one whole, and it will be sufficiently representative and dignified for the last farewell. The majority of technical and technological equipment, except for the existing cremation lines and sewage systems below floor level, will be newly acquired," said Deputy Governor Břetislav Riger (Ostravak). The reconstruction includes new fire safety equipment and audiovisual technology.

The external appearance of the crematorium building will combine glazed and concrete surfaces in light gray. In the non-public operational section of the crematorium, it is planned to merge the operation of the incineration furnaces into an expanded incineration hall, and the refrigeration area will also be enlarged. The operation of the crematorium will be maintained during the reconstruction. At least two of the four cremation lines will remain functional, but the crematorium will not be accessible to the public, and no funeral ceremonies will take place there.

The city expects cost savings on energy from the modernization. The facility will have a photovoltaic power plant and a retention tank for collecting rainwater from all roofs. It will be used for watering the greenery in the crematorium's surroundings and as a water source for a water feature that will also be built. The project also includes the construction of new parking spaces for mourners.

The construction of the crematorium in the area of the Central Cemetery of Silesian Ostrava began in 1961, and the facility opened nine years later.