Brno wants to obtain hundreds of millions from the EU for monuments, kindergartens, and security

Brno - Brno will soon apply for EU grants for projects worth approximately 250 million crowns. Significant support is expected for the revitalization of monuments, where it aims to secure a grant of over one hundred million for the construction of a lapidarium and professional facilities at Špilberk Castle. The city's deputy mayor Richard Mrázek (ANO) stated this today. The city also plans to use funds for increasing the capacity of kindergartens, energy savings in public buildings, as well as enhancing safety and the education of workers.

The estimated costs for building the professional facilities at Špilberk and the lapidarium for stone objects are around 113 million crowns. "We may succeed in obtaining a grant of over 100 million crowns," Mrázek stated. The lapidarium is to be created in the underground spaces of former water tanks, which are currently unused. In recent years, the city has renovated the castle for approximately one billion crowns.

In April, Brno will submit applications for grants for three projects focused on increasing the capacity of preschool facilities. In the Žebětín district, the capacity of the Žabka kindergarten will be increased by converting a community facility into a two-classroom kindergarten. In the other two cases, the capacities of the kindergartens in Pastviny and Přemyslovo náměstí in the Komín and Slatina districts will be expanded by one class each. The most significant investment remains the planned construction of a six-classroom kindergarten Kamechy in the Bystrc district for 170 children. The construction is expected to begin next year and finish in 2018. It should cost around 80 million, most of which the city aims to obtain from the EU.

In the new programming period 2014 to 2020, the city intends to continue reducing the energy demands of public buildings, especially educational facilities. In this area, eight applications are currently prepared.

With European funds, the city also wants to enhance safety. This includes projects for the adjustment of public transport stops, pedestrian crossings, or traffic signage, as well as lighting solutions. Additionally, the city has prepared a project for over 40 million for the acquisition of five large-capacity water tanks for firefighters. They would use them for fires and as an emergency water source. The city also aims to obtain further funds for strategic documents and for educating its workers.