The cooling tower is at the end of its service life. But it can still be retained

  • 1. 11. 2023
In the middle of 2023, a structural and technical survey was carried out at Špitálka. During the survey, the Stavexis company assessed the durability of the cooling tower. The results confirmed concerns about the landmark of the area. However, it could still be retained, although the original plan would have to be revised. An economic analysis will decide the next steps.

According to the initial proposal of the A8000 architectural studio, the cooling tower would become a viewpoint of the immediate surroundings, connected to the neighbouring buildings by attractive skywalks. The interior of the tower would be turned into an “event hub”, a space for start-ups, designers and artists and others interested in presenting their business.

However, this solution is under threat. Even before the structural engineering survey, it was suspected that the tower was not in good condition. The results of the survey then confirmed these estimates, as they suggest that the building currently has a safe life of no more than another six years.

It does not mean, however, that the tower must necessarily go down. Nevertheless, in order to maintain the tower, it is necessary to carry out rehabilitation that will preserve its form and the possibility of its future use.

It does not mean, however, that the tower must necessarily go down. Nevertheless, in order to maintain the tower, it is necessary to carry out rehabilitation that will preserve its form and the possibility of its future use. At current prices, the cost of the minimal modifications, after which the tower will remain standing, is estimated by the survey at CZK 13 million (over EUR 500,000). A comprehensive rehabilitation, which will extend the lifetime of the tower for another 30 years, will cost approximately CZK 17 million (almost EUR 700,000), while the barrier protection would have to be restored after 15 years. This would cost another CZK 9 million (EUR 365,000).

The fate of the cooling tower will be determined by a more detailed economic analysis. If the preservation option proves to be too costly, the option of demolishing the building remains in play. For this reason, city representatives commissioned a proposal for an alternative use of the area. According to this plan, the tower could be replaced by a new high-rise building with mostly residential spaces.

After a thorough economic analysis, which will be completed by the end of 2023, not only the fate of the cooling tower will become clearer, but also the method of financing the entire smart district project.