The new cologne library in the castle complex will not be, it could be located on Jirásková square

Kolín - Kolín has abandoned the proposal to build a new city library in the castle area on the site of a gap created by the so-called barley lofts due to the demands of heritage protectors. According to the heritage protectors, the new building next to the castle should not exceed a height of two floors, which the city finds insufficient. Therefore, the city will likely choose Jiráskovo náměstí for the plan to build a modern library, which is set to undergo reconstruction in the coming years. The town hall announced this today on the website.

The proposal for the modern library is to arise from an architectural competition. The city had prepared it for the area in the castle complex at the end of last year. However, the statements from the heritage protectors included a request regarding the height of the future building, according to the city's architect David Mateásek. "The height of the buildings must not exceed the height level of the historically vanished structure; at most, it should reach the height of the vanished barley lofts belonging to the brewery," the heritage protectors stated in their expert opinion. According to Mateásek, meeting such a condition does not align with the principle of an architectural competition. "A public institution like the city library, appropriate for the size of Kolín, cannot fit into a two-story building," the architect believes.

The city is now revising the competition assignment, which could be completed by April. The library could be located on the western side of Jiráskově náměstí, which the city is preparing for a new look. According to Mateásek, relocating the intended building has several advantages. "It is also an opportunity to utilize all investments towards a modern new building, as it eliminates significant investments related to the restoration of preserved historical cellars under the barley lofts, etc., and the restrictive requirements of heritage protection, which are often difficult to align with the energy efficiency conditions of new public institution buildings," he stated.

The Kolín city library is currently located on Husova Street in the former Czech Savings Bank building. In addition to increasing capacity for the book collection, the new building should also offer community space.

People can participate in the discussion about the new location for the future library at a public meeting. It will take place on March 11 at 5:00 PM at the community center on Mnichovická Street.