Commission urges investor to find solutions to preserve Istropolis: City lacks bold vision – Topky.sk

At the same time, the members of the commission urged the investor to behave respectfully for architectural and cultural values, as well as for the architecture of the cultural and social complex Istropolis. They expressed resentment with his demolition. “They call on interested parties to seek a solution in favor of expanding and preserving the already existing cultural infrastructure of the Slovak capital, Bratislava. Bratislava is repeatedly losing cultural venues, social spaces such as PKO, Amphitheater, Astorka Theater, Stoka, cinemas and others,” the opinion states.

The head of the commission regrets the demolition of Istropolis

The head of the commission regrets the demolition of Istropolis “confirms the long-term trend of liquidation of important cultural and social buildings and architectural complexes from the previous period of Bratislava’s development”, which is determined mainly by the owners of land and real estate, while belonging to the cultural heritage of the city. Other members of the commission perceive it similarly. The art historian of the Slovak Academy of Sciences Peter Szalay pointed out that “The architectural complex of Istropolis is synonymous with modern architecture in Bratislava and its demolition will mean another loss of historical memory.” Adam Berka, a member of the commission and a member of the city council, talks about the loss of historical, artistic and architectural values, as well as about the conflict with the principles of ecological sustainability.

The city lacks a bold vision

MP Lucia Štasselová pointed out that although the city is catching up with its cultural remnants, it lacks a bold vision that would strengthen Bratislava’s identity as a city of culture, in which respect and revival of previous architectural achievements would be part of it.

The investor recently announced that he already has a valid decision to remove the existing House of Trade Unions from Bratislava’s Nové Mesto district. In its place, it plans to build the Nový Istropolis project, in which it also envisages a new cultural and social center, two residential buildings, three administrative buildings and a congress hotel. One of them should have a height of 116 meters. He also wants to rebuild the surroundings of the House of Trade Unions.

Source: Immocap Group

The first works are scheduled to begin in mid-January

In mid-January, building fencing is to be added on the site and the first work on the façade will begin, with the dismantling of the marble cladding. The investor declares a responsible approach to tiling as well as local works of art and artifacts.

In 2017, the unions sold Istropolis to a private investor

The building of present-day Istropolis grew in the 1980s. It served as a congress palace for the leaders of the communist regime. After 1989, it was the property of the unions. The Novomestská self-government tried to buy it years ago, no agreement was reached. The unions sold Istropolis to a private investor in 2017. The organization DOCOMOMO Slovensko is fighting to save the House of Trade Unions. He considers the building to be an iconic building with immense architectural and social value.