"In the future, Ostrava is to fulfill the role of a modern metropolis. The development and revitalization of the whole of Ostrava, including part of the historical core, is therefore one of the fundamental goals of the strategic development plan," says Hana Tichánková, deputy mayor of Ostrava.

The historical center is the showcase of the city, but its reputation needs to be improved

"There is no doubt that one of the main goals for the coming years should be the revival of the center. This is what represents us in Europe among visitors and potential investors. It reveals our interesting history, serves as a meeting place and generally shapes the overall impression of the city. Not to mention the fact that the historical core should be a pleasant place to live for the residents of Ostrava themselves," comments Ondřej Vyslužil, director of the Municipal Studio of Spatial Planning and Architecture (MAPPA), Ostrava.

The Strategic Development Plan considers this territory to be the area bounded by the Ostravice River, Porážková Street and April 30 after the New Town Hall. It is a location where a number of gaps and abandoned places have appeared in recent decades, which has negatively affected the reputation of the entire metropolis.

The city is the driver of change. The pilot projects are followed by others in preparation

Despite this, Ostrava is dynamically changing for the better. Partly through civic initiatives or natural development, but above all thanks to key investments with the support of the city. "Among the first swallows is the successful revitalization of the historic slaughterhouse building from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries at the contemporary art gallery PLATO. The rescue took six long years, but it was definitely worth it. The result is a unique combination of original historical elements with modern operational solutions that are unique not only in our country, but also in the world. The proof is the inclusion of the building in the shortlist for the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture Mies van der Rohe Award for the year 2024, the announcement of which will take place already on Thursday, April 25," describes Ondřej Vyslužil.

Extensive renovations are currently underway at Černá louka, near which the multifunctional campus project of the University of Ostrava was completed last year. At the same time, work is being done to connect the center with the Lower Vítkovice area and the overall development of this area. The overall cultivation of Dr. square is also to be carried out. E. Beneš, which will create a pleasant environment for spending free time and community activities, such as markets and festivals. The renovation of Biskupa Bruno Square is in project preparation.

Residential construction cannot be neglected either. A brand new project is being prepared directly at Stodolní

One of the basic conditions for the revival of the city center is also an increase in the number of residents in the locality. Currently, a private investor is planning construction on a brownfield at the intersection of Stodolní, Porážková and Masná streets. The city selected the location as its development area and put out a tender for the land. The winning project was the Residence Stodolní from the development company Linkcity, which has extensive experience in construction on urban brownfields in Pardubice, Chrudim and Prague. In this case, it will contribute to the transformation of the historical core of Moravian Ostrava in close proximity to the PLATO gallery.

Right between it and the residential complex, the developer is designing a new pedestrian zone with lots of greenery and places to rest, which will be a joint investment of the city and the developer. The Linkcity developer's Barn Residence itself is a multifunctional building with 131 apartments that are currently for sale, as well as retail units on the ground floor that will expand the existing range of shops and services in the vicinity. The architectural concept from the workshop of the renowned studio Bogle Architects is inspired by the transformation of unused industrial areas in London and other Western European metropolises. The project respects the history of the place and at the same time brings modern architecture into it. Its final form takes into account all comments from the city and the Municipal Studio of Spatial Planning and Architecture (MAPPA).

"The key role in the process of the city's transformation is played by its inhabitants and the construction of apartment buildings. If, as in this case with the Stodolní Residence, a developer comes with a proposal for a high-quality and architecturally interesting construction with community elements, the probability of fulfilling our goals definitely increases, because we will attract new residents to the center," says Hana Tichánková.

Linkcity: Residence Stodolní, Ostrava

Zdeněk Kašpar, business director at Linkcity, adds: "When considering the application for the public tender at Stodolní, we liked the central location of the project. You can hardly find similar places in other parts of the country. In addition, I don't know another city that has such a precisely developed development plan and pursues its vision. There are clearly visible changes that bring positive energy and motivation to live and work in Ostrava. I firmly believe that the Stodolní Residence with world-class living standards will become another additional reason."

The story of Ostrava's most famous street does not end. He is looking for his place on the new city map

Věhlas Stodolní was born in the nineties of the last century. The street benefited from a varied offer of local businesses that focused on live concerts of various music