The Karlovy Vary Region will examine the technical condition of the Imperial Baths

Karlovy Vary - The Karlovy Vary region will have the technical condition of the Imperial Spa in Karlovy Vary assessed before the planned reconstruction. At the same time, they are negotiating the future use of this national cultural monument. Efforts to incorporate a concert hall for symphony orchestras have been rejected by heritage protectors, said regional governor Jana Vildumetzová (ANO) to journalists today.

"The technical assessment is important so we can determine the actual technical condition of the building. This assessment has not been carried out for several years. In the meantime, roof repairs were made under the architectural heritage rescue program. Nonetheless, it is good for us to find out if there are any issues that we could encounter," Vildumetzová stated.

The assessment of the condition of the grand but very neglected building from the late 19th century is expected to cost up to 200,000 crowns and should be completed by the end of the year.

According to the governor, discussions with heritage protectors have yielded a clear request to maintain the outer walls in their original condition, which would disrupt the intention to incorporate a concert hall. She also noted that the heritage protectors prefer the building to continue serving at least partially for spa purposes in the future.

Finding a suitable use for the building is a crucial issue for the region, which is the owner of the building. At the same time, they are trying to increase the promised contribution from the state. So far, this amount is 100 million crowns, but the region would like to raise it to 250 million crowns. Such an amount is not currently in the draft state budget, but according to Vildumetzová, it is possible to add it during the approval by the newly composed parliament.

The agreement still stands that the region will contribute 200 million crowns for the reconstruction and the city of Karlovy Vary will contribute 100 million crowns.