Workers are clearing Jander's villa in Ústí nad Orlicí, preparing it for demolition

Ústí nad Orlicí - In Ústí nad Orlicí, a larger preparation for the demolition of Jander's villa began today, which precedes the restoration of the park near Roškot Theater. Workers have started clearing the building. Demolition work could be completely finished by the end of February, Zdeněk Trachta, the site manager, told ČTK.

"We started clearing the rooms, from the attic to the cellar, of unwanted materials such as plastics, wood, metal; the villa has been used by squatters and homeless people, and there is municipal waste," said Trachta.

Once the workers clear the villa, remove the floors, and take out the linoleum, they will begin disassembling the roofing and timber structure, gradually demolishing the floors down to the foundations. Then machines will come to take the material to the landfill.

"The villa is surrounded by buildings, so the demolition must be carried out carefully with regard to the people living nearby and the citizens who move around there. To prevent damage to health and property," Trachta said.

The construction company is now waiting for the opinion of health inspectors, who oversee the removal of hazardous materials. They must approve the procedure. The roof consists of asbestos-cement shingles. This is a health-hazardous material.

"According to the law, employees who come into contact with this material must have special clothing, respirators, goggles, and gloves. There must be no shedding of microfibers that could contaminate the surroundings. Before beginning the work, a protective spray is applied over the entire area; once dried, the shingles are disposed of in specially prepared bags and hermetically sealed," Trachta said.

The construction company took over the building on January 16 and then fenced off the area. If the participants in the construction proceeding have no objections, the health station will issue a permit, and the company could hand over the cleared area to the city by the end of February, Trachta added.

The villa belonged to industrialist Jander and dates back to 1911. Demolition of the villa was supposed to start last year, but it was delayed by a petition. According to the city, however, the building has no architectural value. This was also confirmed by an assessment from conservationists. The city leadership then waited for the outcome of the municipal elections in the fall before proceeding with the demolition.

The aim of the project is to restore the area around the Roškot Theater, which is a national cultural monument. There will be a viewing and relaxation terrace. This will connect to a staircase suitable for sitting, as well as an auditorium. A new amphitheater and summer stage will be created there. A new road network, public and park lighting, and a small restroom facility will also be constructed. There will be a camera system.

Construction work is expected to begin in the fall and likely finish in the spring of 2025. The city will spread the costs over several years, paying from its budget. Currently, the costs are estimated at 65 million crowns.