<Pardubice> are considering what to do with the former Masaryk Barracks</Pardubice>

Pardubice - Pardubice are considering how to handle the extensive area of the former Masaryk Barracks. The city acquired a larger part of it free of charge three years ago, and last year it purchased several other buildings in the back part of the complex from the state for six million crowns thanks to preemptive rights. Three years ago, the Office of the Chief Architect developed a study on the use of the area; it might be appropriate to supplement it with an economic evaluation, said Deputy Mayor Helena Dvořáčková (ANO) to ČTK.

"Investors are already coming forward, expressing interest in a portion of the barracks and wanting to realize something there. However, the negotiations are still in the very early stages, everything is at the stage of consideration," Dvořáčková stated.

According to the study, the area of the barracks is primarily expected to feature residential apartments, but it is also possible to build homes for the elderly, schools, offices, or space for services and shops on the ground floor. The original military buildings are to be demolished, as they are unsuitable for new use.

Most of the development activities will likely be managed by developers; however, Dvořáčková admits the city's potential involvement as well. The city would only have difficulty obtaining subsidies for apartment construction, and they are not very high.

A new office building for the Labor Office is also expected to be constructed in the barracks area; the state has reserved the land for it. The construction is estimated to be completed by the end of 2018, with a projected cost of 220 million crowns.

Since 2011, the barracks have been completely abandoned. The Pardubice complex was acquired from the state free of charge in 2014. The area, which covers about ten hectares, belonged to the city until January 1, 1950, after which it belonged to the state. The state retained the buildings it constructed only after acquiring ownership.