Bratislava: Eset Campus Receives Important Decision from Environment Ministry

Bratislava, 27 December (TASR) – The Environment Ministry issued a favourable opinion concerning a technology campus with new headquarters to be built by Slovak IT security company ESET on the site of the former military hospital in Bratislava, although it's not yet final due to an appeal lodged within the statutory deadline as part of the environmental impact assessment (EIA) process, company representative Peter Blazecka told TASR earlier this week. "The favourable opinion is an important milestone within the permitting process and confirms that the project is progressing," said Blazecka, adding that the possibility of filing an appeal is viewed by the company as a standard part of the EIA process, which commenced in July 2023. In May, Eset received a binding opinion from the Bratislava City authorities and has also submitted an application for a zoning decision. The company is already carrying out preparatory work on the site, such as routing and relocation of utility networks, after the demolition works have already been completed. The future campus will consist of 12 buildings of varying heights, with the tallest reaching six above-ground floors. Four central buildings will serve as the company's main headquarters, with office space and civic amenities located on the ground floors. At the heart of the campus, a central square will be surrounded by the main buildings, around which the remaining eight buildings designed to expand office space for technology companies and start-ups will be situated. The project also aims to improve the environment on the site and its wider surroundings, as these aspects have been examined in detail during the EIA process. "We believe these conclusions will also be confirmed in the further course of the proceedings," added Blazecka. Eset acquired the land on the site of the former military hospital complex near the recreational area of Zelezna studienka in 2017. jrg/mcs/mf