Karlovy Vary will begin selecting a partner for the reconstruction of the Elizabeth Baths

Karlovy Vary - Karlovy Vary are preparing to select a partner who would reconstruct and operate the Elizabeth Spa for 25 years. The only public spa in Karlovy Vary belongs to the city, and its modernization is expected to cost around half a billion crowns. The Karlovy Vary city council has already approved the wording of the concession agreement, which still needs to be approved by the city council, Mayor Petr Kulhánek (KOA) told journalists today.

"It is a concession, so we are looking for a partner who will accept the city's conditions regarding the ownership of the building, which will remain city property, and offer a rental amount and the extent of their own investment," Kulhánek stated. If the concept is approved by the city council, applicants will have four months to prepare their offers so that the city council can select the winner next June.

The city has been preparing the project for about two years. There are currently two applicants who could submit their proposals. They are a consortium of companies Hochtief and Royal Spa, and the second applicant is a consortium of companies Geosan and Lázně Bělohrad.

Originally, it was considered to add an accommodation section to the complex. However, the project has ultimately set the reconstruction to only the footprint of the current building in Smetanovy Sady. For potential accommodation spaces, the areas on the second floor and in the attic can be utilized.

The Elizabeth Spa is one of the city's landmarks. The building from the early 20th century is located in the city center, but its technical condition is not good. For this reason, the operation of the last public spa is annually subsidized by the city. In addition to therapeutic procedures, social events and city council meetings are also held there.