Slovakia's Defence Ministry to relocate to renovated “Kukurica” building

Minister of Defence Robert Kaliňák announced that the Slovak Ministry of Defence will begin moving to the renovated former internate building “Hviezda”, nicknamed “Kukurica”, during the summer. The construction phase is complete, but further interior adjustments and surrounding works are still planned, including new infrastructure, parking facilities and the naming of a square in front of the new site.

The project, estimated to take ten years, will also see the General Staff of the Armed Forces transferred to the same building and an architectural competition for its future design. The total cost is about €49 million for the structural work and €3 million for interior fittings. Kaliňák defended the €7,950 kitchen line and the expense on an LED screen, stating they were not wasteful. The building, previously described by architect Karol Kállay as being in “total decay”, has now been restored to a modern standard.

The relocation is part of a broader effort to modernise the ministry’s facilities and improve the surrounding area in Bratislava.