The demolition of the second part of Slezanka in Opava has started and will be completed by the end of November

Opava – The demolition of the second part of the former shopping center Slezanka has begun at Horní náměstí in Opava. The city handed over the building to the winning company, which succeeded in the tender with a price of 14 million crowns. Originally, the city expected costs around 33 million crowns. The demolition work is set to finish by the end of November. This was stated today by city spokesman Roman Konečný. The first part of Slezanka was demolished by workers from February to April this year.

The demolition concerns a two-story building in a housing estate style from the 1970s. The adjacent four-story building belongs to private owners, and the city does not plan to demolish it.

"The demolition equipment took over the building today. The construction will be dismantled gradually using hydraulic shears and excavators, without the use of blasting," added Martin Kůs from the city council's press department. The chosen method is intended to protect the surrounding buildings and minimize disruption in the city center. The contract also includes disconnecting the building from utility networks, fencing the construction site, and modifying the exposed wall of the neighboring building, including insulation and a new facade.

The demolition of the first part of Slezanka began on February 9 and ended on April 30. The division of the work into two phases was necessitated by property relations and the need to protect adjacent buildings. The continuation of the demolition was made possible by a final court decision, through which the city acquired another part of the property.

After the demolition is completed, the city will secure the construction site over the winter. Next spring, archaeologists will return to the site to continue their research. Meanwhile, the city will prepare an architectural and urban planning competition for the future appearance of the area. Experts and the public are expected to participate in preparing its brief.

The panel building of the Slezanka shopping center was built on the site of brewing houses from the 17th century. The block, which had the appearance of a housing estate, linked to the historic development of the center. The building had long been problematic for the city council. The city bought the majority stake in Slezanka in 2008 for 270 million crowns. Since then, it has been addressing the possible use of the building. In 2021, the councilors approved the demolition of the purchased part.