The Karlovy Vary Region will begin the rescue of the Imperial Baths

Karlovy Vary - Karlovy Vary Region will immediately begin the rescue of the most valuable historical monument in Karlovy Vary, the Imperial Baths. This was made possible by today's decision of the regional council, which approved the purchase of this monument-protected building from Karlovy Vary for 6.5 million crowns. The costs of renovating the building are estimated to exceed 700 million crowns, and the region intends to cover a substantial part of the costs from European Union funds.
    The sale of the Imperial Baths to the region was already approved by the Karlovy Vary city council on Tuesday. Although this transaction has opponents in both the city and regional councils, in both cases, a majority of councilors voted in favor. The sale was preceded by nearly a year of negotiations about the contract between both entities. According to Governor Josef Pavel (ODS), it is now necessary to prepare all documents required to apply for EU funding as soon as possible.
    The contract indicates that the region will pay for the Imperial Baths about one percent of the estimated value of the property, including its equipment and land, which was set at approximately 194 million crowns, as well as the property transfer tax. The remaining amount up to the estimate allows the contract to be invested in the modernization of the property. However, if the region does not obtain European funds for the restoration of the monument and does not start the reconstruction within eight years, the baths would be transferred back to the city under the same conditions.
    The Imperial Baths were designed by Viennese architects Ferdinand Fellner and Hermann Helmer in 1895. The city used them only occasionally, for example during the film festival. From time to time, filmmakers rented them. The region plans to create a new representative exhibition of the regional museum in the building, a joint regional and city information center, and a multi-purpose hall for 500 people. The baths and Zander's hall will be preserved. Facilities for the Karlovy Vary Symphony Orchestra will also be established near the bathhouse.