Eset: Campus Construction in Bratislava's Patronka Could Start in 2028

Bratislava, 5 July TASR) – Slovak IT security company Eset is continuing the preparations for its project involving a technology campus and new headquarters to be built on the site of the former military hospital in Bratislava's Patronka area, Eset Chief Operating Officer Pavel Luka told the media at an informal meeting earlier this week, adding that the company aims to begin construction in 2028 and complete the project in 2031. "We've already submitted an application for a zoning decision, and the documentation for a building permit is being prepared. Now that we've received a valid EIA [environmental impact assessment], the zoning procedure can move ahead at full pace as we continue to work on the building permit," said Luka. The modern technology campus will combine research, innovation, education and business. In addition to becoming Eset's new headquarters, it will provide premises for other technology companies, start-ups and research activities, as well as spaces open to the public. Eset will occupy a large share of the office space in a total of 12 buildings, while the remainder will be leased out. Eset also cooperates with universities, mostly technical ones, in order to strengthen links between Patronka and the campus area at nearby Mlynska Dolina so that students can become part of the innovation ecosystem. The Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAV) also plans to rearrange its campus in the Patronka area, while Bratislava Self-Governing Region is planning a major project here as well. The company places strong emphasis on sustainability and technology, so rooftops will be equipped with photovoltaic panels connected to a battery energy storage system. In light of the current heatwaves and drought, the project will also include rainwater retention measures and water-storage facilities. In order to promote cycling infrastructure and public transport, the company is holding talks with state-run rail infrastructure operator ZSR and the Transport Ministry about the Patronka transport terminal, said Luka, referring to the existing railway stop at Zelezna studienka, which could be connected to the public transport system. The total cost of the project is estimated at some €200 million, including the cost of land that the company purchased in 2017. jrg/df/ko