Diaphragm without building permit: Preparatory work or start of construction of KI2 facility?

A deep excavation trench has been constructed on the site of the former Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology building at the Kemijski inštitut on Hajdrihova Street in Ljubljana, despite the absence of a construction permit. The trench, over 20 meters deep, is made of reinforced concrete and was built during the period before the new research facility, intended to house the Centre for Technologies in Gene and Cell Therapy (CTGCT), received its official approval. While project documentation classifies this structure as a temporary construction part of the demolition phase, it was also designed to protect the excavation pit and limit the impact of digging on adjacent buildings. The CTGCT, planned to replace the old building, aims to accelerate the translation of basic research into clinical applications, with a focus on developing personalized therapies for cancer, rare genetic diseases, and immune system disorders. The project, funded by European and national sources, including approximately €15 million from the European Commission under the Widening, Teaming for Excellence program and another €15 million from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, is set to become a key hub for advanced biomedical research in Slovenia. Construction began in December 2025, with initial work involving relocation of municipal water lines and the demolition of the existing structure. Once the building was removed, the reinforced concrete diaphragm was erected to stabilize the excavation area and prevent damage to neighboring structures. This phase of the project included drilling and other preparatory activities, which have raised questions among local residents and officials regarding compliance with regulatory requirements. The issue of whether the diaphragm constitutes preparatory work exempt from a construction permit or a permanent structure intended for future construction has sparked debate. On December 30, 2025, the Kemijski inštitut publicly announced that the first preparatory works for the new CTGCT had begun. However, according to reports from physicist and professor Aleš Iglič, who submitted a complaint to the Construction Inspection Office, the work being carried out, including excavation, diaphragm construction, and drilling, was conducted without the necessary permits or preliminary studies. He claims that these activities have already caused damage to nearby buildings, particularly the Vila Teslova, whose owners reportedly also filed a complaint with the inspection office. On June 11, 2026, a serious workplace accident occurred near the construction site around 4 p.m. During work on a gas pipeline, a fire broke out due to the cutting of a gas pipe. According to the incident report, the situation escalated quickly, leading to a hazardous environment on-site. Emergency services were called, and the incident highlighted ongoing safety concerns related to the construction activities. The Construction Inspection Office received the complaint on December 29, 2025, under reference number 06121-2557/2025. Its response dated March 5, 2026, stated that the application would be processed in accordance with legal provisions, inspector responsibilities, and priorities. However, the office did not confirm whether inspections had already taken place, what findings were recorded, or whether the required construction permit had been obtained. It clarified that the applicant does not hold a party status in the inspection process, as such status begins upon official duty. If the applicant requested information on findings, they could expect notification after the completion of inspections and the final decision. As the controversy surrounding the construction continues, the community awaits further clarification from both the institution and the relevant authorities. The outcome of this case will likely influence how future projects proceed within the area, especially given the potential implications for public safety and regulatory compliance.