The former convent of the Sisters of Mercy in Cheb is gradually coming down

Cheb - The former convent of the Sisters of Mercy in Cheb is being dismantled by excavators. A private owner has begun the demolition of the site, which recently served only as a shelter for the homeless. According to the mayor of Cheb, Petr Navrátil (ČSSD), the city welcomes the demolition as one of the problematic locations will disappear, he told reporters today.

"I am glad that it has started. We are not rushing them in any way. For now, it is not even visible from the road because the demolition began from the back of the convent," said Navrátil.

According to the zoning plan, a mixed-use development can be established on the land where the convent stands, such as a shopping center or smaller production facilities and houses. However, they are not designated for the construction of family homes. Part of the land in the area is still owned by the church, while the rest belongs to the city.

The owner of the convent had tried to sell it for several years, including to the city. But the price was too high given that the city would still have to deal with either a radical reconstruction or demolition.

The convent of the Sisters of Mercy from the early 20th century has recently gained notoriety mainly because it started to spread hepatitis in the region. It was a refuge for the homeless and drug addicts. For this reason, the city welcomed the owner's decision to demolish the site.