The city of Ostrava in the Czech Republic is set to get its first skyscraper after the original plans failed to meet building standards. The local authorities have announced a design competition for Ostrava Tower, which is expected to be around 175 meters tall, making it the tallest building in the country. The competition is open to architects who are encouraged to submit their design proposals.

Ostrava Mayor Tomáš Macura has said that the architectural competition is the only way to find a permanent and high-quality solution for the city. The decision to hold a competition comes after the investor informed them that the original design was unfeasible due to the founding conditions and the economics of the construction. The competition result is expected by June 2024, and the application for the issuance of a permit must then be submitted to the building authority for approval.

The initial design for the Ostrava Tower included a public lookout point at the top of the building along with a restaurant. It planned to have both commercial and residential elements, including offices, a four-star hotel, and 624 parking spaces. Construction was supposed to start in 2022, with completion by 2027, but the timeframe has been pushed back to a 2035 completion date.

Once completed, the Ostrava Tower will be the tallest building in the Czech Republic, standing at a height similar to that of the iconic Gherkin skyscraper in London, which is 180 meters tall. The construction of the Ostrava Tower is expected to boost the city’s economy and put it on the map as a destination for business and tourism.

Article by Prague Forum