The Pardubice shopping center Grand will open in the fall after extensive reconstruction

ova

Pardubice - The reconstruction of the Grand shopping center in Pardubice is entering its final phase. Once the construction work is completed, the tenants will take possession of the stores so that the building, designed by architect Josef Gočár, can open to the public in the fall. This was stated by representatives of the investor and construction companies to ČTK. The construction work began at the end of 2023.

"During the construction work, several adjustments to the original project occurred. This is a reconstruction, so changes emerged in response to the difference between the project and the actual state. This was also related to new demands from the investor and architects," said builder Petr Prudil from Chládek and Tintěra Pardubice.

The four-story functionalist building was constructed between 1927 and 1931. Its facade is also made of blue tiles. It housed the district office, a hotel, and thanks to a café, restaurant, billiard hall, wine bar, and cinema, it attracted many people. Grand was the center of social activity.

Grand belongs to the PSN company, which is involved in development projects. The company bought it in 1996 and converted it into a shopping center, then sold it in 2008, only to buy it back in 2019 because the object began to decline under different ownership. According to the architects, the building is to be as close as possible to its original form, although it will also have new elements.

"The most significant changes include the transformation of the space in front of Grand, the square has received a new look thanks to a modern glass atrium. The iconic blue facade clad in tiles has been restored, and new escalators have been installed in their place. The interior also underwent a fundamental change, where the mezzanine from 1998 was removed," said Richard Dvořák, the head of the civil engineering center from Marhold.

According to Dvořák, workers are completing the final tasks, installing lights, finishing the flooring, painting the interiors, and adjusting spaces for tenants. "In the coming weeks, the spaces will gradually be handed over to the tenants, and final work in the interior will begin. Grand in its new concept will open to visitors in the fall. We are keeping it as a surprise what brands will appear in Grand," said the director of PSN Pardubice, Ondřej Heřman.