Chrast is preparing to renovate the cinema into a community center and town hall

Chrast – The town of Chrast in the Chrudim region has prepared a schedule for the renovation of the abandoned cinema into a community center and a new town hall. In December, it will present the study to the councilors, and construction could start in 2022. Vojtěch Krňanský (ANO), the mayor, told ČTK.

The study is being prepared by the Pardubice-based company Med Pavlík architects. If the councilors approve the proposal, project preparation and the search for suitable grants will begin. Costs are expected to range between 70 to 100 million crowns.

The cinema in the square has been closed without replacement since 2007. The town hall is located in a castle, which, according to the mayor, is not ideal. The heritage building is not barrier-free and lacks suitable heating.

"That is why we decided that a new town hall will be part of the community center. We are discussing the form of the center with the architects. It should reflect today's era and be environmentally friendly. I am already looking forward to presenting the study to the councilors," said the mayor.

He expects grant opportunities for the project will be available, and the town could secure about 50 to 60 percent of the total costs. The rest would need to be borrowed from a bank. "Today's bank incentives are quite interesting, around one percent. We would not be the first town to open a credit line of such a caliber for ten years," Krňanský said.

The town currently lacks a space where members of associations can meet, where balls, concerts, and theatrical performances can be held. The town hall is awaiting negotiations with heritage conservationists, as the center is in a heritage zone, while the cinema building itself is not protected. Next year, the project and building permit could be completed, followed by the start of construction in 2022. "That's my dream timeline, hopefully it will work out," said the mayor.