The proposal for a referendum regarding the use of Strojař in Přerov did not pass the council

Přerov – The proposal by the Přerov opposition for the fate of the abandoned hotel building Strojař to be decided by residents in a referendum did not pass today in the city council. The Pirates, along with other opposition representatives, brought the demand, intending to conduct it during the second round of the presidential elections. They estimated the costs to be 1.4 million crowns, which they wanted to draw from the city's budget reserve. However, the proposal was supported by only 14 out of 34 councilors. Nevertheless, the opposition stated that it is prepared to collect the necessary 3,500 signatures in a petition campaign and declare a referendum during the European Parliament elections.

The city purchased the property six years ago for 42 million crowns to prevent the establishment of another social lodging. "Strojař is a fairy tale for the people of Přerov, which has a difficult course, but we would wish for a nice ending. We have owned it for a long time, it has been deteriorating for a long time, precedence is given to the building at TGM Square 16, while this object could be developed into the needed apartments," stated the leader of the Pirates, Lenka Jüngling. She pointed out that the building will not be sold for the estimated price of 47 million crowns. "This location would serve people far better as a public space for gatherings or as apartments for seniors or young families. The city is looking for an easier path - a sale," she added.

Jan Horký from Společně pro Přerov mentioned that the referendum is based on the question of whether Strojař should remain in city ownership with at least a 51 percent share. According to him, this also gives a chance to private entities while ensuring property control by the city.

The question of how to utilize Strojař has occupied three city administrations. Councilor Michal Zácha (ODS) pointed out that there is still a valid resolution from last October regarding the intent to sell the former hotel complex. He believes that it is likely no developer will buy it for the original price at which the city purchased it. "But we bought it under pressure so that there would be no lodging house there," stated the councilor.

Mayor Petr Vrána (ANO) reminded that the use of Strojař was addressed by a working committee, but the plans were thwarted by costs. "I can imagine a sale, but it must be guaranteed one hundred percent that the company that acquires it will develop a project suitable for that location. By calling a referendum two months after the elections, we are saying that we do not know how to handle it," he added, stating that he would not support the referendum. City representatives mentioned they have recorded six interested parties due to the potential sale of the property. "If we reconstruct Strojař, we will halt investments in other projects for two years," warned Deputy Mayor Miloslav Dohnal (ODS).

The nine-story panel building, which the city bought in 2016 from the Ministry of Defense, is abandoned. Among the plans was its reconstruction into apartments for young families or seniors, exchanges of properties, but also demolition and preparation of the area for a new investor. However, all plans ended in failure, partly due to costs.