The renovation of Janáček Theatre in Brno will be proposed by architect Černý

Brno - The renovation of Janáček Theatre in Brno and the construction of adjacent underground garages will be designed by architect Jaroslav Černý. He was approved as the winner of the tender by the Brno city councilors. According to Brno's mayor Roman Onderka, the selection of the designer is the first step towards completing a large-scale reconstruction that is expected to cost about 1.2 billion crowns. Onderka stated this to reporters today.
    The renovation of the Janáček Theatre includes the reconstruction of the building, interiors, and the construction of an underground parking garage. The garages are to be located in front of the theatre at the site of the current decaying park with a fountain. The water feature is expected to remain in front of the theatre, but it will probably change in form. Its specific design will be determined by the architects.
    The city aims to complete the investment of over one billion crowns by 2008 or 2009. After the completion of the underground garages, parked cars should disappear from Roosevelt Street. The construction costs will be partly covered by the city, which also expects a state subsidy. In the past, the Ministry of Culture promised 300 million crowns, Onderka said today.
    The extensive renovation is expected to take place while the theatre is still in operation; according to the mayor, it is not possible for the Janáček Theatre to stop performing even for a single season.
    The theatre building was constructed between 1960 and 1965. The previous administration of Brno, led by ODS, already pointed out that the building was made from very low-quality materials and needs renovation. Brno has invested approximately 400 million crowns in scene adjustments in recent years; this money has been used, for example, to statically reinforce the building and to purchase new interior equipment.