H. Králové will demolish the tannery, possibly replacing it with apartments for seniors

Hradec Králové - The city hall of Hradec Králové has begun preparing the demolition of the dilapidated historical tanning facility in the Kukleny district. In its place, a social housing facility for seniors could be built in the future. City representatives told ČTK today. The tanning facility was originally to be converted into a commercial center and luxury loft apartments at a cost of approximately 350 million crowns by the development company Eube. However, it went bankrupt in 2010, and the project was abandoned.
The 19th-century tanning facility is an interesting example of industrial architecture made of brick in Hradec Králové. "However, metal collectors have dismantled the building over the last few years to the point that the entire complex is now only fit for demolition. Not even the metal tower with the clock, which was one of the symbols of Kuklen, could be saved," said the deputy mayor for property Martin Soukup (ODS).
The city hall hopes to start demolishing the first parts of the tanning facility this year, with costs estimated at one million crowns. "For safety reasons, some buildings in a state of emergency and partially the walls that are next to sidewalks and pose a risk of collapse will be demolished this year," Soukup stated. The demolition of the remaining parts could cost several million crowns more. "The city should clear the area and prepare it for future construction," Soukup added.
The use of the tanning facility area is also to be part of the revitalization of the extensive area of the Small Elbe Canal in Kukleny. "The area is planned to include the construction of two parks, another sports facility in the Olympie complex, and the overall revitalization of the area," said the deputy mayor for development Jindřich Vedlich (TOP 09). According to the deputy mayor for social affairs Anna Maclová (Home in Hradec), the construction of apartments for seniors would fit into the city's plan to build a home for retirees with a capacity of about 50 beds.
The city had a contract with Eube for the future sale of the tanning facility land. The project was subsequently taken over by the company Commercial Center Kollárova, which has been in liquidation since 2011. "At the end of January this year, the court proposed its removal from the registry. Consequently, the city will be released from the future purchase agreement and will be able to manage the land," Vedlich reported.