The architecture center at the castle in Miroslav will not be

Miroslav (Znojmo region) - The town hall in Miroslav in the Znojmo region, which has been looking for uses for its dilapidated castle for years, wants to begin its restoration with the help of European subsidies. The city would like to repair the southeastern wing of the extensive complex, which will cost at least 24 million crowns. By February of next year, it will be clear whether the application has succeeded. Roman Volf (ČSSD), the deputy mayor of Miroslav, said this today to ČTK. The restoration of the entire building will cost several tens of millions of crowns, which the town hall cannot afford.
    "If we do not succeed with the grant application, we will consider calling a local referendum, in which we would ask the citizens how to proceed with the property," Volf stated. Craftsmen are already restoring damaged trusses in the southeastern wing of the castle. The work will be completed by the end of the year and will cost 370,000 crowns.
    The town hall's wish is to renovate the wing and place exhibitions about the history of Miroslav, an exhibition of old furniture, and perhaps local enthusiasts could also present their large collections of puzzles there.
    Gradually, the town hall would then strive for the restoration of other parts of the property. In the past, the city negotiated with architect Zdeněk Fránek, who wanted to turn it into a center for architecture. However, the plan did not materialize. The city continues to consult with Fránek regarding the castle's restoration.
    Miroslav has owned the castle since 1993. Before that, it housed an agricultural school for many years. Before World War II, it belonged to the Stumer family of Vienna sugar manufacturers. Although their descendant lives in Venezuela, he has no interest in the restitution of the castle.
    The town hall has been dealing with the future of the property for years. Many town halls face similar problems. In southern Moravia, this includes Břeclav, Ivanovice na Hané, or Hrušovany nad Jevišovkou.