May 2020
The City of Ostrava is offering land for sale: the Ostrava-Mošnov Small Development Zone
At its session on Wednesday 20 May, the City Assembly approved the plan to sell land totalling 38.57 hectares directly adjacent to the Strategic Industrial Zone in Mošnov and Leoš Janáček International Airport.
The Small Development Zone in Mošnov is owned by the City of Ostrava. It is an ideal location for commercial or office developments, a technology park or a similar complex which will create jobs with high added value. It is also suitable for industrial production, logistics, or mixed-use structures.
When submitting their offers, all interested parties must describe their intentions for the future use of the site, specify their construction plans, give details of how the structures will be used, and present a schedule for the preparation and implementation of the project. They must also state their bid price, the number of new jobs that will be created per hectare, and the estimated volume of investment in the planned development.
The site, located around 25 kilometres from central Ostrava, offers a range of key advantages: direct access to the D1 motorway and the newly built D48 motorway, a location directly adjacent to the international airport, good access by city and regional public transport, a highly qualified workforce in the area, and a strong industrial, scientific and technical base in the region. A study has been elaborated for a rail link giving direct access to the site. A land use decision has also been issued approving a connection to the national power grid.
Thanks especially to its strategic location and excellent transport links, this site has the potential to function as a unique logistics hub not just for the Central European region, but also for trans-European logistics networks. The factors listed above played an important role in existing investors’ decisions to locate their investments at the neighbouring Strategic Industrial Zone – which has so far created around 4000 direct jobs and attracted around 14.6 billion CZK of investment.
A vacant lot in the city centre for sale
The City of Ostrava is also offering for sale a plot covering 635 m2 in the city centre, at the corner of Smetanovo náměstí and Vojanova St. The plot is zoned for mixed use (residential developments and civic amenities). The new development at the site should represent an appropriate addition to the urban structure at the location, creating a high-quality public space. The location is particularly attractive as it is directly next to a major public transport stop, as well as being situated in a part of the city centre offering a wide range of cultural amenities – including the Antonín Dvořák Theatre, the Puppet Theatre and the Černá Louka (Black Meadow) exhibition centre.
When submitting their offers, all interested parties must describe their plans for the future use of the site, outline the benefits their plans will bring to the location, and present a schedule for the entire project including specific deadlines for launching and completing construction work. When evaluating the offers, the City will place particular emphasis on the quality of the proposed architectural design. According to a current expert valuation, the bid price must not be lower than 8 548 370 CZK.
Zuzana Bajgarová, the Deputy Mayor responsible for investments, summed up why the city is keen to sell the site: “Currently the land is the site of ugly and inappropriate structures which will be demolished at the end of this year. This will create a new, highly lucrative development plot – and we are confident that in the future it will become the site of a high-quality structure that is worthy of its location in the heart of the city centre, close to the new university buildings and the Nové Lauby residential complex.”
Progress continues at the Ostrava-Mošnov Industrial Zone
The Ostrava-Mošnov Industrial Zone represents a unique opportunity for investors to leverage the advantages of its strategic location directly next to an international airport and with excellent links to the motorway and rail networks. In recent years, a number of major investors have set up operations at the zone, helping to stimulate the development of the entire region.
One of the development projects that is still ongoing at the zone is the Ostrava Airport Multimodal Park, which is currently being expanded to include new logistics and manufacturing halls.
Hall 1 was opened in June 2019 and covers a built area of 57 133 m2. In January of this year Hall 2 was opened, covering 48 864 m2. Hall 3 (18 969 m2) and Hall 4 (12 288 m2) are currently under construction; they will be completed and handed over to investors during the third quarter of this year. Hall 5 (97 421 m2 and 14 metres high) is currently at the preparatory stage, and a construction permit has been issued. From 2022 the complex will also include a rail container terminal; the railway siding will be able to handle trains up to 700 m long. The current tenants at the zone include Central Warehouse Solution s.r.o. (Skladon), Continental Barum s.r.o., DHL Automotive s.r.o., GEIS CZ s.r.o., Hyundai Glovis Czech Republic s.r.o., Rhenus Logistics s.r.o., and UFI FILTERS Czech s.r.o.
Another new project currently underway at the zone is a modern factory for the Chinese company XZB. The factory will cover a built area of around 20 000 m2, and its fully automated operations will provide jobs for at least 50 people, of which at least 10 will be jobs with high added value. The sale of the land was approved in 2018, and work is currently ongoing to prepare the terrain and construct technical infrastructure at the site.
Ostrava is one of the few cities that are actively supporting businesses and the non-profit sector during the COVID-19 pandemic
The City of Ostrava is offering several forms of support to small businesses that have been prevented from operating by the Czech government’s measures to control the spread of the new coronavirus – including postponements of rent payments, rent waivers, emergency financial assistance (up to 20 000 CZK) and donations of up to 100 000 CZK. A total 31 285 047 CZK has been paid to 1 956 businesses in the form of emergency financial assistance. Businesses have also been given extra time to comply with the City’s new regulation against “advertising smog” by removing inappropriate, poor-quality street advertising and replacing it with more aesthetic forms of promotion. Local businesses originally had until the end of this year to comply with the regulation, but the City Council has decided to postpone this deadline until the end of 2021.
Ostrava’s Mayor Tomáš Macura explained the City’s decision to provide assistance: “We are well aware that the restriction of business activities could easily force some businesses to close down. That’s why we want to help local businesses to survive the most difficult period – but of course the City doesn’t have unlimited resources. Nevertheless, we’re willing to offer tens of millions of crowns in assistance. In view of this, it’s fundamentally important that businesses don’t abuse the system, so that help can reach those who genuinely need it.”
In March and April the City launched its assistance programmes for small businesses in Ostrava, and it has also devised a special programme targeted at the city’s non-profit sector.
Mr. Macura gave more details: “Non-profit organizations are involved in cultural life and sporting activities, crime prevention, health care, social services, helping people with disabilities, as well as a range of other activities that are very important to the city and its people. So our assistance here will be quick and simple – after completing a simple application form, the application will be evaluated immediately and approved in no more than seven days.”
Starting from 5 May, non-profit organizations can submit applications electronically or by post, using a form accessed via the City of Ostrava’s website. The City Council will meet at weekly intervals to decide on ongoing financial assistance.
Up-to-date information on these “first aid” programmes is available on the City’s official website.
The Moravian-Silesian Innovation Centre is offering business consultancy services free of charge
The Moravian-Silesian Innovation Centre (MSIC) has published an offer of rapid free consultancy services for all businesses whose operations have been seriously affected by the preventive measures imposed to control the spread of the new coronavirus. The purpose of these consultations is to minimize the negative impacts of the situation and advise clients on the current options open to the business sector.
The MSIC is offering consultations in two formats:
- MSIC HOURS: quick consultations (5 minutes – 2 hours) giving an immediate response to a business’s needs; business will be put in touch with an approved specialist
- MSIC IMPULSE: more extensive consultations (up to 10 hours) with a verified specialist to develop a joint solution
If you are interested in this service, please contact MSIC at michal.gavlik@ms-ic.cz.
Innovation and digitalization in business – an effective way of overcoming the COVID-19 crisis
The “Hack the Crisis” hackathon is an initiative gathering together companies to develop smart technological solutions to the crisis caused by the current pandemic. The hackathon has devised a special app for the Czech government’s new system of payments to business-owners to cover the costs of child care during the closure of schools. The new app was produced in record-quick time, and Hack the Crisis has also devised a chatbot providing answers to frequently asked questions; in just 16 days, the FAQ chatbot was used by almost 76 000 business-owners and self-employed people. Other hackathon products include the CoVpoint platform which matches demand with supply, a videoconferencing and on-line communication platform run by the Ministry of Industry and Trade via MS Teams (bringing together over 1 400 users), and a digital card with information on the coronavirus pandemic that has been installed by more than 1.2 million people.
As people have had to adapt rapidly to the current situation, modern information and communication technologies (ICT) have rapidly established themselves as key tools for a wide range of activities. Examples of ICT tools that are helping businesses survive and overcome this challenging period are available on the website of the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
Source (in Czech)
The Ministry of Industry and Trade has announced a call for subsidies – the 7th COVID-19 Technology Support Programme
The call focuses on supporting businesses that specialize in the production of medical devices and personal protection equipment (PPE) or equipment for the safe disposal of potentially infectious waste. It will primarily support projects that are directly involved in the battle against the new coronavirus by helping applicants to acquire new technologies and equipment.
The final deadline for the submission of applications has been set at 10 a.m. on 5 June 2020. Available subsidies for projects will range between a minimum 250 000 CZK and a maximum 20 million CZK, covering up to 50% of the total project costs.
For more information on the programme, see the website of the Ministry of Industry and Trade (only in Czech).
Ostrava: work begins to transform the former municipal slaughterhouse into a modern art gallery
The long-awaited transformation of Ostrava’s historical slaughterhouse complex has begun. The work began on 6 April and is being carried out by the building contractor Zlínstav, the winner of the public tender. This legally protected cultural heritage site will undergo a complete reconstruction to a design by the Polish studio KWK Promes, headed by architect Robert Konieczny. The design won an architectural competition held by the City in 2017.
Ostrava-based studio MS-projekce has played a major role in drawing up the detailed construction plans under the supervision of Jaroslav Habrnal. The conversion project, which will create a unique exhibition space for contemporary art, is scheduled for completion by the end of next year.
Ostrava’s Mayor Tomáš gave more details: “Regardless of the coronavirus outbreak, we are continuing to launch new investment projects. We can afford it, as in previous years we have managed to substantially reduce the City’s debt levels while also building up our financial reserves. We can overcome the economic impacts of the current situation. The expected shortfall in the City’s income as a result of various preventive measures will be compensated by savings in current expenditure – not by cutting back on investments.”
The historic slaughterhouse will become a new complex consisting of five interlinked components – some new, some old: they include the original cool store, a second cool store built at a later date, the slaughterhouse itself, and a covered atrium. A 1926 building will be demolished, as its poor technical condition means that it is beyond rescue; a brand-new structure will be built in its place.
The new gallery complex will have six exhibition halls which will be able to function either separately or integrated into a single space. The rotating walls will allow the gallery space to be extended into the outdoor areas.
The City of Ostrava began preparing the slaughterhouse project almost five years ago. In November 2016 it purchased the historic complex from its private owner, the Bauhaus company, along with the company’s DIY store and adjacent land for a total cost of 80 million CZK.
Source (in Czech)
We see our future in education
The City’s long-term aim is to play an active role in supporting education. We are aware that if Ostrava is to move forward and keep step with other cities, we must develop a strong industrial base with high added value and modern technologies, and we need to support talented students and young people.
An example of the City’s activities in this area is its subsidy programme supporting bilingual and foreign-language teaching at preschools, primary schools and secondary schools. Ostrava has also created a special system to support studies of foreign languages, science and technology – its programme supporting education and talent management. The City also has a long record of supporting studies of vocational subjects and manual skills; it runs a special programme encouraging children to get involved in manual trades. Our ambition is to encourage children to take an interest in working with tools and materials like wood and metal.
Other news
Ostrava Expat Centre launches a news service in English
The Ostrava Expat Centre is the hub for expats in Ostrava and the Moravian-Silesian Region, offering advice and assistance in sorting out documents and formalities for their life in the Czech Republic. The Centre was opened on 2 March this year, and it is now providing regular news and invitations in English. If you are interested in receiving information from the Centre, you can subscribe on the website http://www.ostravaexpat.eu/.
The Centre is currently organizing online events giving practical information on Czech law, the taxation system, and also themed workshops for business-owners and other potential target groups of expats.
You can see listings of these events on the Ostrava Expat centre Facebook profile.
Interest in bikesharing has boomed with the arrival of spring
Statistics from Ostrava’s bikesharing scheme reflect how everyday life was restricted by the government’s measures to control the spread of the new coronavirus. Before the state of emergency was imposed, the daily number of rides ranged on average between 1 500 and 2 000, but during the worst period of the crisis it then dropped to around half that number. However, recent days have seen an upsurge in interest from cyclists as the spring weather has arrived, and on some days there have been as many as 3 000 rides. In mid-May bikesharing stations will also be installed at Vřesina, linking this outlying district with the rest of the city.
Kateřina Šebestová, Ostrava’s Deputy Mayor with responsibility for the environment, gave more details: “After several weeks during which user numbers fell, our bikesharing scheme is back to normal again. A total of 7 000 new users have registered since the system was re-launched this year, so there are currently 42 000 registered users of the scheme in Ostrava. That’s great news, because using bikes to get around the city – especially over short distances – is much more environmentally friendly than using a car. And what’s more, it helps keep you fit and healthy. From the very outset we hoped that the idea of bikesharing would catch on here in Ostrava. But we’ve been pleasantly surprised by just how successful it’s been.”
Ostrava’s bikesharing scheme includes more than 270 stations with over 900 bikes. The number of rides in March and April climbed to 109 675.
Source (in Czech)
The rectory garden in Ostrava’s city centre is undergoing a complete revitalization
The City of Ostrava has launched a complete revitalization of a previously neglected green space behind the offices of the Diocese in the heart of the city centre. The garden is a site of historical value between the embankment of the Ostravice River (Havlíčkovo nábřeží) and Střelniční St.
The revitalization project has been designed by the architectural studio Vysloužil Architekti, and the work will be carried out by HSF Systém, which won the tender having submitted the most reasonably priced bid (11.7 million CZK including VAT).
The garden will have two distinct parts. One part, on slightly higher ground, will be more open and sunny, with a central lawn area and a children’s playground. The lower part of the garden will have trees offering pleasant shade. The two parts will meet at a terrace under a plane tree; the terrace will help protect the tree’s roots as well as offering a pleasant place to stroll. It will be incorporated into the current system of retaining walls and steps; the steps will be renovated and railings fitted.
Deputy Mayor Kateřina Šebestová gave more details: “New greenery will be planted, the derelict walkways will be removed and replaced with gravel surfaces, and new benches and other street furniture will be installed. We have taken inspiration from parks in other towns and cities – such as a park in Litomyšl, the monastery garden in Příbor, as well as the English or French style of mini-parks with low fences and access gates. It will be an entirely new style of park for Ostrava. And although it will primarily be a place for rest and relaxation, it will also be an ideal venue for some smaller community events.”
The revitalization was launched in mid-April and will last 30 weeks.
Source (in Czech)
Events
25.5.2020: ONLINE SEMINAR: Start promoting your services online
A seminar with brand manager Vendula Margaretis Rechová on online marketing tools. The seminar will be held in English. More information.
26. 05. 2020: ONLINE SEMINAR: Export opportunities in MEXICO
An online export seminar with the head of the CzechTrade office in Mexico and guests. Will be held in Czech. More information.
26.5.2020: ONLINE WEBINAR: The COVID III programme and other subsidy programmes for businesses
How to access state guarantees in the COVID III programme, plus European or national subsidy programmes supporting Czech businesses in the current situation. Will be held in Czech. More information.
27.5.2020: ONLINE SEMINAR: Current export opportunities in GERMANY
An online export seminar with the head of the CzechTrade office in Germany, a successful exporter and an exclusive guest – the Czech Ambassador to Germany. Will be held in Czech. More information.
27.5.2020: ONLINE SEMINAR: Ready for the circular economy
On 27 May 2020 from 17:00 to 18:00 there will be a webinar explaining why circular offices are the offices of the future. Will be held in Czech. More information.
27.5.2020: ABSL WEBINAR: Automation in Finance & Accounting
A webinar exploring automation, held by the ABSL (Association of Business Service Leaders in the Czech Republic) in conjunction with the company Automation Anywhere. The webinar will be held in English. More information.
28. 5. 2020: MARKETINGON #7
The seventh meeting of marketing enthusiasts and experts. There will only be one MarketingON in 2020 – and this time it’s online! Will be held in Czech. More information.
28.5.2020: ONLINE SEMINAR: Business opportunities for European companies after the pandemic
On 28 May 2020 from 10:00 there will be an online seminar for companies from Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and other Central/Eastern European countries presenting business opportunities during and after the current COVID-19 pandemic. Will be held in Czech. More information.
29.5.2020: Corporate values – a source of stability for companies
How to create corporate values – inspiration and recommendations on how to implement and communicate values. Will be held in Czech. More information.
2.6.2020: ONLINE SEMINAR: How to expand to the AUSTRIAN market
Current news and practical information for Czech companies from Julie Havlová, the head of the CzechTrade office in Vienna, and Luboš Souček, Export Manager for TVD. Will be held in Czech. More information.
3.6.2020: Basic legal framework for businesses 2020. Free online webinar
This webinar will consist of 5 practical sections showing how to do business while ensuring that you comply with commercial law. Will be held in Czech. More information.
4.6.2020: ONLINE SEMINAR: Specific features of doing business in THE BALTIC STATES and effective e-commerce
Current news and practical information for Czech exporters from Věra Všetičková, the head of the CzechTrade office in Riga, and her guest Donatas Gudelis, Chief Executive of MakesYouLocal. Will be held in Czech. More information.
11.6.2020: ONLINE SEMINAR: THE NETHERLANDS – business opportunities for Czech exporters
Current news and practical information for Czech companies from Andrea Mӓrzová, the head of the CzechTrade office in Rotterdam, and Aleš Spáčil, CEO of Greenbuddies. Will be held in Czech. More information.