The magistrate will repair the historic Vršovice waterworks

Prague, November 3 (ČTK) - The historic Vršovická waterworks in Prague's Braník will undergo reconstruction. The city council will finance its restoration with money from EU funds, and it is intended to serve as a social or cultural center in the future. This was stated today by the Deputy Mayor of Prague Pavel Klega (ODS) to journalists. The renovation of the Art Nouveau cultural monument will cost approximately 140 million crowns and is expected to be completed in 2011.
The waterworks stopped supplying water to Vršovice in 1975 and has been deteriorating since then. "It is currently in very poor technical condition," Klega said. "We would like to preserve the historical elements of the building, so we will collaborate on the restoration with restorers and heritage experts," the deputy added. He particularly emphasized its Art Nouveau architecture and façade made of sharply fired unplastered bricks.
The reconstruction is set to begin in the spring of next year; the city is currently preparing the project documentation. Prague has secured funds for the repair from the European Competitiveness Program. The European Union will cover 85 percent of the costs, with the remainder shared by the capital city and the state. After revitalization, the waterworks area is to be made accessible to the public. The specific use will depend on the proposals of parties interested in future operations.
Although it is located in Braník, the waterworks is named after Vršovice, which it supplied with drinking water. It was built in 1907 according to a design by architect Jan Kotěra. In 2002, it was listed among the cultural monuments of the Czech Republic.