The Liberec cinema Varšava will not be renovated with European funding

Liberec - The oldest permanent cinema in Liberec, Varšava, will not be renovated with the help of European subsidies. The Association "Save Cinema Varšava" has decided to withdraw from the 20 million crown project. The main reason is the lack of time, and moreover, the funds would not be enough to repair the entire building. Jiří Žid stated this to ČTK on behalf of the association. However, they wish to maintain operations at the cinema.
    The association wanted to renovate Varšava next year. However, according to Žid, it was uncertain if they could manage it. There was a risk that they would have to return part of the subsidy. They also could not repair the entire cinema with the subsidy. The project included the acquisition of digital and theatrical technology, a complete replacement of internal wiring, windows and doors, insulation of the building, and replacement of the air conditioning system.
    "We would have six million for the construction part, which is little. That would only be enough for the hall," Žid stated. However, according to him, they do not want to give up their plans for the renovation of the more than one hundred-year-old building. "The project deserves better preparation," he noted.
    Varšava was closed five years ago, shortly after celebrating its hundredth anniversary. At that time, the city hall did not have the funds for the renovation estimated at 80 million crowns, and two multiplex cinemas were built in Liberec, which meant the end of all single-screen cinemas in the city.
    However, a few enthusiasts decided a year ago to restore operations at Varšava and rented the art deco-style building from the city. They provisionally reopened the former cinema this summer, but had to end the first season in early December due to faulty heating. According to Žid, they plan to reopen the cinema in the spring. They should be able to do this with a grant of 1.8 million crowns, which the representatives of Liberec approved for Varšava today. The association will use the money for the most necessary repairs to the hall, heating, and electrical installations.
    Members of the "Save Cinema Varšava" association want to gradually transform the building, located just a few dozen meters from the town hall, into a multifunctional cultural center where not only films will be screened but also concerts, exhibitions, and other events will take place.