Asbestos in the middle of Ljubljana

In the heart of Ljubljana, near the renowned Plečnik architectural masterpiece, a deteriorating building stands with cracked asbestos-covered walls. The structure, built in 1958, is owned by the Gospodarsko razstavišče (Economic Exhibition Hall), which has leased it to Proevent, a company specializing in organizing events. The building is located in the area of the Gospodarsko razstavišče, adjacent to the Pionirski dom and the Slovenian Youth Theatre. The presence of crumbling asbestos panels poses a direct health risk, yet no immediate action has been taken to address the issue. The building, which has been used as a storage facility for Proevent, was inspected by the Environmental and Spatial Inspectorate in November 2023. According to officials, during this inspection, several irregularities were identified and corrected. A follow-up control check was conducted in January 2024, after which the process was halted. Despite these inspections, the condition of the building remains unchanged, raising concerns about the adequacy of the measures taken. Gospodarsko razstavišče, which is majority-owned by the City of Ljubljana (67 percent), is managed by Iztok Bricl. In response to inquiries, representatives stated that the current storage facility will be demolished once a new one is constructed. They referenced the upcoming approval of the new Municipal Detailed Spatial Plan (OPPN), which is currently under review since 2018. According to Nina Černuta from the Marketing and PR department, the plan includes the construction of a new storage facility and the demolition of the existing one, with the site eventually being transformed into a park. This suggests that the removal of the old structure is part of a long-term urban development strategy. However, the continued presence of deteriorating asbestos panels raises serious safety concerns. Asbestos is a known carcinogen, and its exposure can lead to severe respiratory illnesses. The building’s location in the city center, close to cultural institutions, makes the situation even more alarming. Local authorities have been informed of the conditions, and photographs of the building have been sent to the Environmental and Spatial Inspectorate. While the inspectorate has acknowledged the issue, it remains unclear whether they will take further action. The inspectorate noted that the building was constructed in 1958, before the complete ban on asbestos use, which came into effect in early 2003. Therefore, while the material is outdated and hazardous, it does not necessarily violate current regulations unless deemed unsafe. However, the inspectorate has not confirmed whether they will require the removal of the asbestos panels or implement protective measures. The outcome of their assessment remains pending. There is growing public concern over the lack of proactive measures to ensure public safety. The Gospodarsko razstavišče, despite being a successful enterprise with a profit of €121,000 in the previous year, continues to operate the building as a storage space. Critics argue that exposing the public to potential health risks is unacceptable, especially given the availability of alternative solutions. The delay in addressing the issue has led to questions about the transparency and accountability of local authorities in managing such matters.