Kroměříž wants social apartments in part of the building on Hanácké náměstí

Kroměříž - Kroměříž wants to convert part of the empty building in the former barracks on Hanácké náměstí into social housing for seniors. The city has already found a suitable EU grant title that would facilitate the reconstruction. The town hall would like to submit the grant application later this year, said deputy mayor Pavel Motyčka (KDU-ČSL) to reporters today.

"We have up to 1000 applications for placement in senior homes, there is a need here," Motyčka stated. According to him, the city is not abandoning the original idea of a community center nor the intention to establish facilities for non-profit organizations in part of the building. Part of the building, possibly up to half, is intended to be offered to private companies.

"Some interested parties have already contacted us. But it will depend on the speed of the reconstruction. Originally, we thought that investors would repair the spaces and then they would be exempt from rent for a while. However, they are saying that they would at least like to have the basic things prepared," Motyčka said.

A scientific and technical center and a hostel are also being considered. According to the deputy mayor, the building is to be divided into four parts according to usage, which will be gradually reconstructed. According to a static assessment, the repair of the building is possible under certain conditions.

According to Motyčka, a feasibility study for the building is nearing completion, after which work will begin on an architectural study that will outline the costs of reconstruction. According to initial estimates, these costs are between 80 and 100 million korunas. There should be around twenty social housing units for seniors in the building on Hanácké náměstí, according to Motyčka.

The three-story building was acquired by Kroměříž from the army after its departure from the city. The city wanted to convert it into a senior home but abandoned the plan due to high costs. The town hall then unsuccessfully tried to sell it. Proponents of its use are concerned that the building will end up like the former army building across the street, which its owner demolished.

Motyčka's proposal for the use of the building in 2014 was not supported by the previous city council led by mayor Daniela Hebnarová (ODS). The reasons were high reconstruction costs and unclear financing of operating costs. However, after the elections that same year, the balance of power in the council changed, and the use of the building made it into the program declaration of the new coalition of ANO, KDU-ČSL, ZVUK 12, independents, ČSSD, and Zdravé Kroměřížsko.