The Silesian Medical University receives from the State Treasury the real estate of the former MSWiA hospital
An agreement of intent has been signed today at the Rector's Office of the Silesian Medical University in Katowice, the purpose of which is to establish the terms and conditions for handing over to the University the real estate formerly occupied by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration (MSWiA) hospital at Kilińskiego and Głowackiego streets, as the institution has moved to new premises.
The agreement was signed, on behalf of the State Treasury, by the Mayor of Katowice Marcin Krupa, the Director of the MSWiA hospital Dr Piotr Grazda and the Rector of SUM, Professor Tomasz Szczepański.
- This is a historic day for our University, because thanks to the decision to transfer the buildings and plots of land from the hospital with which we have been neighbouring wall to wall for years, we will gain space three times larger than the one we currently have. This means an opportunity for us to make a leap forward," said Rector Szczepański.
The mayor of the voivodeship capital, Marcin Krupa, did not hide his satisfaction.
- On the one hand, I am very pleased that the MSWiA hospital is now operating in modern premises, offering patients medical care at the highest level and in exceptionally comfortable conditions, which happened after a year of efforts and the final decision to purchase the building for the hospital. On the other hand, the move has opened up the possibility for the Silesian Medical University to expand and create the campus in the centre of Katowice that the University deserves. The plans of the SUM authorities are extremely ambitious and much needed, not only by the University, but of course by the residents of Katowice. I wish them to be realised as soon as possible," said President Krupa.
As SUM Chancellor Dr Ireneusz Ryszkiel assessed, the process of determining the principles on which the real estate will be transferred begins now, which will certainly take a few months. - At the same time, we will be working on a project of reconstruction and construction of new facilities which are very important, such as a new lecture theatre for scientific conferences and meetings of the academic community, because we don't have one in the Rector's Office," explained Chancellor Ryszkiel.
The SUM authorities want the acquired spaces to house, among others, the Academic Centre for Creativity, an expanded Technology Transfer Centre and a digital library. There will also be opportunities to create parking spaces.
- I remember our neighbourhood with fondness and wish you every success in implementing your plans. It is a place of great potential and a great location," said Director Grazda.
As Rector Szczepański added, in parallel the authorities will actively seek the funds necessary to realise the investment, including EU funds. - We have a unique opportunity to create a seat for the University not only for the 21st, but for the 22nd century,' stressed Rector Szczepański.
