Multipurpose Hall Fitted in Former Gasholder

The gasholder is a cylindrical tank with a diameter of 72 m and height of over 30 m.It was built in 1925 as part of a unique metallurgical complex established in 1828. In this compound, spread over the area of approximately one square kilometre, the coal-coke-iron technology link has survived unchanged to this day. In 1998 production was discontinued on the premises.In 2003 the complex was privatized and in 2008 a non-profit company with the participation of the city and region was established.

Prior to its complete privatization the complex was declared a national monument in 2002 and in 2008 it was awarded the European Heritage Label.Heated discussions as to what to do with the monument resulted in a project centred on the public use of the compound, serving predominantly educational, science and research and cultural purposes.In 2008&2009 the view prevailed that the compound should become a living part of the city of Ostrava and a unique public space. The gasholder with its large multipurpose hall seating 1,527 visitors has become the most prominent symbol of this newly opened public space.

Besides the grand hall, the gasholder & named Gong in a public vote & houses a smaller hall with 400 seats, conference rooms, some 1,200 square metres of art gallery space and spacious lobbies directly connected to the outdoor public space.To fulfil the assignment, the sunken part of the moveable bell of the gasholder, weighing 800 tonnes, had to be raised by 1,492 cm. The architectural concept combined the investors' noble social ambitions with engineering ingenuity.The former closed industrial complex is returning back to the people, it is turning into a regular city, with the revamped gasholder being a symbol of the change. The overhaul of the industrial zone has been warmly accepted by the public.