Socialist building stuck in past may undergo reconstruction

Even though Bratislava has changed beyond recognition over the past 30 years, there are still buildings that seem to be stuck in the past, such as the Helios shopping centre located in Bratislava's borough of Ružinov.

The establishments there appear to have never escaped the pre-1989 era. Socialist planning required that each housing estate had to have civic amenities, and as such shops were built following a template.

Although located in a relatively lucrative area between Herlianska and Solivarská Streets, the complex has yet to undergo reconstruction, although not for a lack of trying on the part of the owner, the developer Helios, reports the Index magazine.

In 2008, the owner wanted to completely demolish the building and in its stead build a multi-functional complex with three underground and nine above-ground storeys. The first two of the above-ground floors were intended for businesses, the next two for offices, and the rest for apartments.

But nothing came of the plans and although Helios obtained a zoning decision a year later, the neighbourhood and the borough itself appealed against it. The situation was further complicated by the economic and real estate crisis at the time. In addition, legal disputes behind the scenes were being settled.

Updated zoning plan in exchange for apartments

Still, the owner did not give up. Last year the company joined an initiative on the part of the borough which is looking to grow the number of rental apartments in the capital on offer.

The idea behind it is that the capital will change local zoning plans, allowing a developer to build more apartments, but in turn the developer turns over some of the apartments to the city.

Helios is now preparing a study on how to increase housing. According to the documents for the study, the building in question neither meets the current standards, nor does it fit with the surrounding high-rise buildings.

A change in the zoning plan would mean that Helios can be converted into a multi-functional building with many apartments.