Bratislava: Construction of Istropolis Project to Launch Soon

Bratislava, 1 February (TASR) - The long-planned new Istropolis project at Trnavske myto in Bratislava's Nove Mesto burough is entering its construction phase, with the Immocap developer set to start works on the first three buildings, comprising two office buildings and one residential building. The first phase of the project is also set to include construction of the long-anticipated hall with a capacity of 3,000 people. The new Istropolis project is being developed on an area covering 4.3 hectares. "We see Istropolis as a long-term project that must grow sensitively, in phases and in harmony with the city. The first buildings create a foundation on which the entire area can be further developed - urbanistically, architecturally and as a community. After years of preparation, we are moving from plans to reality. The start of the construction is a key milestone for us and confirmation that the Istropolis vision is gradually becoming a reality," said company chief executive Martin Sramko. Given the scale of the project, the construction works will proceed gradually in several stages. Construction work on further buildings will depend on obtaining permits. Overall, the project is to eventually comprise a total of nine buildings, including three office buildings and five residential buildings with 600 flats. Two new squares are also planned, along with an inner-block park which, according to the developer, will be larger than Main Square. New public spaces, fountains and greenery are also to be added. The transformation of the area is to include modifications to Skultetyho Street, where traffic is to be significantly slowed. The former Istropolis building was constructed in the 1980s and served as a congress hall for the leadership of the communist regime. After 1989, it became the property of trade unions. The Nove Mesto borough administration attempted to purchase it several years ago, but no agreement was reached. The trade unions sold Istropolis to a private investor in 2017. mf/jrg