Plzeň will save the cultural house Peklo, the creative center DEPO2015 will be restored in parts

Plzeň - The rescue of the cultural house Peklo, a share in the renovation of the municipal baths, and the creative center DEPO2015 are the priorities of the new leadership of the city of Plzeň in cultural investments. They respond to the economic situation and to the survey "Residents' Opinions on Culture in the Statutory City of Plzeň 2022." CTK was informed of this today by Mayor Roman Zarzycký (ANO).

"The architecturally and culturally valuable Peklo and the building of the municipal baths have undeniable architectural and spiritual value for Plzeň and its citizens. We consider it our duty to bring life back to them," he stated. Peklo is closed and deteriorating due to poor structural condition.

"The public has expressed clear dissatisfaction with the state of the cultural house Peklo and especially with the absence of a quality cultural and concert hall with good acoustics," said councilor for culture and heritage care Eliška Bartáková (ANO). Furthermore, people appreciate the location in the city center. At the end of last year, the council appointed a working group for the rescue of Peklo, composed of experts and representatives of the city hall. They will meet in the first half of February to discuss the content and possibilities of reconstruction. The leadership of the Plzeň Region promised assistance in the restoration and usage of Peklo.

Plzeň also wants to participate in the rescue of the municipal baths, which were purchased by the region last year and whose modifications will begin this year. "It is intended to be a multicultural space, among other things for the West Bohemian Gallery. The baths are now awaiting the preparation of studies, including a structural historical survey," said city spokesperson Eva Barborková. The unused building dates back to 1931.

The head of the opposition club of councilors Together, David Šlouf (ODS), stated that the previous leadership of the city had already prioritized Peklo and DEPO2015. "I definitely would not prioritize the baths; I would place them as the next in line. Or let them say how much the region will give them for our projects," he said. He estimated that the rescue of Peklo would cost about one billion crowns. According to Šlouf, a working group for Peklo had already been functioning last year. "So they are starting again. But on the other hand, it's good that something is being done about it, because that building deserves it," he commented.

The city hall wants to approach the project of the Cultural and Creative Center DEPO2015 more moderately, which includes the reconstruction of both parts of the bus station hall. "Its first phase was estimated at 520 million crowns; today it would cost over one billion. Moreover, it has become clear that the project is contingent upon the reconstruction of the adjacent Preslova Street, which has significantly increased the project's costs," the spokesperson said. The city is waiting for the completion of the project and the issuance of the building permit. "We are negotiating with developers in adjacent areas about contributing to the renewal of networks," said Deputy Mayor Pavel Bosák (Pirates). According to him, the city wants to prepare for implementation in partial phases, which it anticipates will involve European and state subsidies.

"I don’t think that a small reconstruction at the depot solves anything. It was realistic to obtain 368 million crowns in subsidies," said Šlouf. He fears that the new leadership of the city will not manage to apply for the subsidies, as their use is until the end of 2025.