The renovation of the dilapidated complex of Jánské Koupelí could begin in two to three years

Ostrava – The renovation of the dilapidated site of the former spa Jánské Koupele in Opava region could begin in two to three years. The owner, Ostrava lawyer Karel Ležatka's company, estimates the costs of construction work at least at one billion crowns. Ležatka stated this today during the presentation of the architectural study. He mentioned that he has prepared an investor willing to finance the project. However, for the preservation of the cultural monument, it will still be necessary to find agreement and support from a number of involved institutions and also secure financial support from public sources.

In addition to heritage preservationists, local governments, Lesy ČR, Povodí Odry, and other institutions must agree with the project. "A number of negotiations are underway. I believe that we will find a consensus and discover that the project, as we are preparing it, is feasible," said Ležatka. He added that if this succeeds, architects could start working on the actual project in about six months. Construction should then commence within three years. "It is necessary to build everything at once. No one is going to visit a spa where excavators are rumbling," he stated, noting that according to his plans, the new spa could open by the end of 2026.

With regard to the heritage protection of the site, Ležatka is also negotiating with the heritage preservationists. Michal Zezula, director of the National Heritage Institute in Ostrava, told ČTK that the project prepared by Ležatka and his team is feasible. The main requirement of the heritage preservationists was to maintain the building material, meaning the appearance of the main buildings. "They accommodated us in this regard beyond our request," stated Zezula. According to him, the heritage preservationists also welcome the fact that the way the site will be used remains unchanged, meaning the provision of therapeutic and spa services.

According to Ležatka, the spa will create a functional facility providing both medical and recreational services. A capacity of 400 beds is planned. A wellness center with saunas and a pool with mineral water will be newly established. There are plans for the restoration of the restaurant, a swimming area, a bottling facility for mineral water, and the establishment of a specialist clinic with a hospital part. A parking lot for 360 cars is also expected to be created.

Ležatka anticipates that he will secure grants for the project. "This is necessary because we are saving something historical. Which is always more expensive than building a new facility," he stated. According to his estimates, ideally, the site should have an annual turnover of around 230 million crowns. "Then it could function, operations would be paid, and within 13 years the investment could be paid off," Ležatka mentioned, noting that he expects an average occupancy rate of around 65 percent.

Two architectural studios are working on the project – Atelier 3M and Projektstudio. "We tried to integrate the new complex as much as possible into the existing architectural character and landscape," said architect David Kotek on behalf of both studios. According to him, the project aims to build on the famous history of the spa area and complement it with modern elements.

Ležatka, who also owns a ski area in Kopřivná in the Bruntál region, purchased the Jánské Koupele in the first half of last year from tennis player Tomáš Berdych and his partner Petr Lexa. However, his plans for the restoration of the spa have been complicated by the crisis associated with the spread of the coronavirus.

The area of Jánské Koupelí consists of a dozen buildings with land in the valley on both banks of the Moravice River. It has been on the list of monuments since 2005. "The consequences of long-term neglect are evident in individual structures; their technical condition is very poor, with some even being in a state of emergency. The complex was proposed by the National Heritage Institute to be included in the list of the most endangered monuments in the Czech Republic," said Petra Batková from the Ostrava heritage institute earlier to ČTK.

The Jánské Koupele spa was founded in 1811, when the first spa house was built. The therapeutic effect of the local springs has, however, been known since the 17th century. In the 19th and the first half of the 20th century, the spa was very well-known, treating heart diseases, circulatory and respiratory ailments, skin diseases, gout, and rheumatism. During World War II, the spa was a training center for the Hitler Youth and a prisoner of war camp, and treatment was halted there. After the war, the buildings became health spas and recovery centers. They were closed in 1993 and have been deteriorating since then.