Most and Chomutov are requesting a grant for the demolition of empty houses

Most - Most and Chomutov will apply for a state subsidy for the demolition of empty houses. The Most City Hall intends to level block 31, which it purchased two years ago, and the uninhabited building in Riegrová Street, which previously served as a hostel and office spaces. Both cities have previously utilized subsidies for the removal of derelict buildings in excluded areas.

Building 31 on J. V. Sládek Street between the sports hall and the gymnasium is in a state of emergency, with all fixtures removed. The abandoned house is located next to the socially excluded locality known as Stovky. The city sold block 31 along with two others in 1993 and repurchased it in 2015 for 12 million crowns.

The city hall estimates the demolition costs at 6.45 million crowns. The price could be reduced through a public tender. A subsidy from the Ministry for Regional Development could cover up to 80 percent of the total expenses. Deputy Mayor Marek Hrvol (Severočeši) stated that block 31 did not fit into the urban concept of the area, hence the city will demolish it; conversely, residential units will be created from blocks 34 and 35.

The area after the demolition of the house will be grassed over; according to the subsidy conditions, the city cannot sell the land for ten years after the completion of the project. Originally, the city hall wanted to create a parking lot for the residents of this locality on the site. However, it turned out that there is enough parking space in the area. Block 34 is already owned by Mostecká bytová, which plans to renovate it, while block 35 will be bought from the city by Mostecká bytová and also be renovated.

Chomutov intends to use the state subsidy for the demolition of the building in Riegrová Street. The house has been uninhabited for several years; according to city hall spokesperson Tomáš Branda, it previously housed a hostel for mothers with children and office spaces. If the city obtains funding from the state, the demolition could take place in the second half of next year. Greenery will replace the building. "This is the entrance space to the area that should be revitalized on the F. J. Gerstner waterfront," Branda told ČTK.

Chomutov has already utilized the subsidy for the demolition of the former hotel by Kamencové Lake, and Most for the demolition of two panel blocks in the Chanov housing estate.

Ústí nad Labem decided not to utilize the subsidy; this year it purchased devastated properties on Na Nivách Street. According to city hall leadership, a barrier to applying for the subsidy was that the land after the houses would have to remain as green space for another ten years. The costs for demolishing all buildings in the street are estimated at 100 million crowns.