The imperial baths are expected to incur an annual loss of about two million CZK after the renovation

Karlovy Vary - According to an analysis, the operation of the Imperial Spa will end annually with a loss of about two million. The regional office estimates the operating costs of the building, which will primarily serve cultural purposes, at 7.3 million crowns, with revenues projected at just under six million. Reconstruction is expected to begin in the spring of next year, said Martin Hurajčík (ANO), the deputy governor of the Karlovy Vary Region, to reporters today.

"We are in the final phase. We have all the documentation prepared. The company Intar has requested an extension of the deadline, because the authorities have their deadlines for providing responses. But I think that reconstruction will start as soon as possible," said Hurajčík.

According to a preliminary agreement, both the region and the city of Karlovy Vary should participate in financing the loss-making operation. The project, which the region will also draw on funds from the Ministry of Culture, anticipates revenues from museum exhibitions and tours. It also expects revenues from the rental of commercial spaces in the Imperial Spa, which will constitute a maximum of 20 percent of the total use of the national cultural monument.

It is still unclear whether the city of Karlovy Vary will continue with the plan to build a concert hall within the interior of the Imperial Spa under the new leadership. The current project only includes a smaller multipurpose hall. Proposals for the construction of a full-fledged concert hall for the Karlovy Vary Symphony Orchestra have so far always encountered negative opinions from heritage conservationists, as it would disrupt the unique spaces of the former spa baths, which are among the most valuable parts of the spa monument.

The reconstruction itself, without the addition of a hall, is expected to cost over 600 million crowns, with the costs shared by the region, the state, and the city. The Imperial Spa belongs to the region.