New Bor wants a grant from European funds for the regeneration of the center

Nový Bor (Českolipsko) - Nový Bor in the Českolipsko region is preparing an extensive project to regenerate its center, for which it intends to apply for subsidies from European funds. An investment of approximately 110 million crowns is expected to change not only the face of Míru Square but also the museum and several other streets in the center. The town hall already applied for the subsidy last year but was unsuccessful. Without it, it cannot finance the project. The city manages a budget of 130 million crowns annually, Mayor Stanislava Silná said today to reporters.
The intention to change the central square is not new; in 2001, the proposal by architect and designer Bořek Šípek won a competition for the future shape of the square. However, the project was not developed due to a lack of funds and faced several objections. The intention has undergone various changes over time, and thus there will not be a planned café or public toilets in the square in the future. This was decided by Nový Bor councilors on Wednesday, who also set clear boundaries for the project that needs to be prepared for the subsidy application.
According to Silná, the entire regeneration of the square consists of four projects by different authors. In addition to the square, Kalinova Street and the Market Square will also be renovated. Plans also include the reconstruction and expansion of the glass museum. "The costs could largely be covered by a European grant, which can reach up to 85 percent of the costs, and an additional five percent could be contributed by the Ministry of Regional Development," Silná said.
Therefore, the twelve-thousand-strong town would only pay 11 million from its own funds, but must be prepared to pre-finance the project, which will have to be secured with a loan. If Nový Bor is successful, work on the renovations in the center could begin in the second half of next year or at the beginning of 2009.