The Liberec Region is preparing for the reconstruction of the cultural center in Liberec, seeking a contractor

Liberec - The Liberec Region is preparing the reconstruction of the Cultural Center Lidové sady in Liberec and is looking for a contractor. The construction costs are estimated by the designers at 188.065 million crowns excluding VAT. This is one of the largest investment projects of the year for the region, which has obtained a grant of 121 million for the project. The deadline for offers ends on January 26. Due to the grant, the construction must be completed by September next year, said Květa Vinklátová (Mayors for the Liberec Region), deputy governor.

The Cultural Center is located in Lidové sady next to the Liberec Zoo, which has managed it since 2011. The heritage-protected building was established more than 120 years ago in a Romantic Art Nouveau style. The large and small halls serve cultural events, and the view from the 35-meter-high tower also attracts visitors. The center offers musical and dance events, creative workshops, lectures, and other programs; the zoo also has offices in it. Due to the reconstruction, the center will be closed for more than a year.

According to Vinklátová, the building urgently needs reconstruction. In recent years, only partial repairs have been made there. The region wants to transform the historic building into a music and cultural creative center. The project includes a complete renewal of the interiors, a glass extension with a small hall will be added, and the large hall will have a retractable auditorium. Modern sound and lighting systems as well as projection facilities are planned, and a new elevator will ensure wheelchair access. "The reconstruction also involves the anteroom, balcony, gallery, technical room for the large hall, and distribution system, entrance hall, or toilets," added the deputy governor.

The Liberec Region initially estimated that the entire project, including equipment and adjustments to the surroundings, would cost 165 million crowns excluding VAT. However, due to rising construction costs and the demands of conservationists and firefighters, the estimate had to be increased to roughly 227 million. "We are in a heritage-protected building, there were significant demands from the conservationists regarding the extension into the garden. The internal arrangement also entails high demands from firefighters, there is a substantial increase in security doors," Vinklátová stated.

The project is one of the largest investments of the year for the region, which has a budget of over 6.135 billion crowns. Nearly 40 percent is aimed at investment projects, of which about one billion is allocated for major repairs and reconstructions of regional second and third-class roads and their bridges. Over 150 million crowns will be used for investments in the Liberec Regional Hospital. The region is also investing tens of millions into four new centers for vocational education and is preparing an expansion of the F. X. Šalda Grammar School in Liberec.