Bourat chátrající domy chce letos Most, Litvínov i Ústí

Ústí nad Labem - This year, Most, Litvínov, and Ústí nad Labem plan to demolish dilapidated buildings. In Most and Litvínov, the city councils will apply for a state grant for the demolition of residential buildings in housing estates. Ústí will cover the costs of demolishing a destroyed building near the stadium, where a training hall for hockey players is to be built. The Ministry for Regional Development (MMR) is now offering a grant for the regeneration of brownfields for non-business use.

Most has previously utilized grants for demolition several times. With state funds, it demolished apartment buildings in Chanov. Last year, the city council had a residential block 31 demolished between the gymnasium and the Stovky locality, which the city purchased along with two other blocks from a private owner. A few years ago, people were concerned that apartments for families on social benefits would be built there.

Now, the second-largest city in the Ústí Region is again applying for a grant for the demolition of a panel building in Chanov. The costs are estimated at 6.5 million crowns, and the grant could cover 70 percent, according to Deputy Mayor Marek Hrvol.

Litvínov has also previously used grants for demolitions in socially problematic areas. This year, it will demolish an apartment building on Gluckova Street in the Janov housing estate. The project has already been approved by the councilors.

Ústí nad Labem has not utilized state grants. In October, extensive demolition of houses on Na Nivách Street began. The city will pay 6.6 million crowns for the demolition of eighteen buildings. This year, the city council is considering utilizing the program. "We are identifying suitable locations to fit the parameters of the calls. We will negotiate with MMR about adjusting the parameters for our city," said Deputy Mayor Pavel Tošovský to ČTK. "We are dealing with, for example, a property on Matiční Street," he noted.

In Ústí, this year, a dilapidated building near the stadium will be demolished, where there used to be a basketball court and later badminton courts. The building is in poor technical condition and it is not worth repairing. A private investor will build a training winter stadium on the site at his own expense.

Interested parties can submit applications to MMR until February 28. The ministry spokesperson Veronika Vároši told ČTK that a total of 100 million crowns has been allocated for this program. The lower limit for the grant is 300,000 crowns, and the upper limit is ten million crowns. "The removal of the building should be followed by a complete revitalization of the space. A park, a new educational facility, a community center, or sports facilities may be created," the spokesperson stated.

A new aspect this year is the grant for the regeneration of brownfields for non-business use. "This includes old collective farms, factories, or train stations, which can be transformed into libraries, schools, community centers, or parks," said Vároši. The grant can be used for reconstruction, demolition, and the purchase of property. The deadline for submitting applications is May 31. The ministry has prepared a total of 400 million crowns for this program.