Praha 1 will announce a tender for the use of Werich Villa

Prague - Prague 1 will announce a new tender on Thursday for the use of Werich's villa on Kampa. Interested parties can apply until November 29. A committee composed of respected experts should help select the new tenant. The mayor of the first city district, Oldřich Lomecký (TOP 09), told journalists today. One of the requirements of the tender is that a museum dedicated to Jan Werich and Jiří Voskovec is established in the villa. The fate of Werich's villa has been a topic of discussion in Prague 1 for more than ten years.
    The announcement of the tender was approved by the city council during its Tuesday meeting. "Our original intention remains unchanged. We want Werich's villa to become a cultural and social center where exhibitions, educational programs, lectures, and other similar activities will be organized," noted Lomecký.
    Applicants for the lease must present a project to Prague 1 that would create a cultural and social center and museum that would commemorate the legacy of Werich, Voskovec, and other personalities associated with the villa, Prague, and the first city district. The municipality rejects the idea of establishing a restaurant or apartments in it. An exception may be made for small refreshments.
    In April 2008, Prague 1 decided that the villa would be acquired for 40 years by the Jan and Meda Mládek Foundation for a one-time rent of 23.8 million crowns and a symbolic daily fee of one crown. The foundation was to renovate the villa at its own expense.
    The new leadership of the municipality, after the elections in 2010, decided not to support the contract and to renovate the villa at its own expense. They then prepared to conclude a new contract with the foundation, but the representatives of Prague 1 refused to approve it and decided to announce a new tender. Lomecký expects several organizations to submit offers. The foundation has already announced that it will participate in the new competition. Others interested in participating include Post Bellum and HAF studio. Each applicant must submit a deposit of 100,000 crowns.
    Lomecký anticipates that the final decision regarding the tenant will again provoke emotions. Therefore, he wants the selection committee to be composed of recognized experts. "We have really reputable names promised," he noted. The council and the assembly are likely to approve the selection of the committee, according to him. The greatest weight in determining the winner will be given to the program content, followed by the amount of rent and the schedule for operation. The representatives should receive the proposal for the winning project at the meeting on December 17.
    Simultaneously with the tender, Prague 1 plans to renovate the villa for up to 30 million crowns. According to Lomecký, a company has already been selected to reconstruct the building. Interior work could begin at the end of the year. The renovation is to be part of a comprehensive redesign of Kampa.