Gočárovy mills could newly serve the public for housing as well

Publisher
ČTK
09.05.2016 16:00

Pardubice - The automatic mills in Pardubice would like new owners to transform them into a modern multifunctional complex. They would like to make the national cultural monument accessible to the public, while parts designated for permanent housing could also be created within it. Architect Lukáš Smetana, who recently purchased the complex with his wife Mariana, told journalists today. According to Smetana, a plan should be developed this year that will determine the course of the transformation of the mills, which were designed by Josef Gočár

"We are currently looking for the best concept and we are taking on the challenging task of approaching cultural heritage with humility, honorably and visionary, with a view to at least the next hundred years," said Smetana.

Two-thirds of the historical part of the mills could serve as polytechnic workshops for elementary schools that the city plans to establish. European grants can be drawn for cultural and educational projects, Smetana pointed out.

"Given that this is a national cultural monument, it is possible to consider European funding sources, which is a huge help that has helped save many extensive buildings in the past," said Minister of Culture Daniel Herman (KDU-ČSL), who visited the mills with Smetana today.

The complex has been abandoned for about two and a half years. The Austrian company GoodMills offered the mills to the city, but the councilors repeatedly refused to purchase them. A real estate agency later offered them for 25 million crowns.

Gočár designed the mills for brothers Egon and Karl Winternitz. They were built between 1909 and 1911. In the 1920s, a new silo was added, connected to the older part by a bridge. Some parts of the buildings are adorned with parapets reminiscent of castle crenellations. In the 1960s, a four-story extension elongated the left riverbank wing.

"The mills are in relatively good condition, stable and durable structures. Of course, there are problems, such as damaged brick cladding in the upper parts. But these are relatively easily and standardly removable deficiencies," said building historian Bohdan Šeda to ČTK.

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