Příbram will apply for a grant for barrier-free access to the cultural center

Příbram - Příbram will ask the Ministry of Culture for a grant to build a barrier-free access to the cultural center. The city council approved the application today. The project, costing 10.3 million crowns, includes the installation of a lift and the creation of a barrier-free route to the listed building. The plan has already been recommended for funding by the Government Office.

According to city councilor Monika Ciklerová from TOP 09, it is good that the cultural center will be accessible to people who are unable to climb stairs or use regular entrances to the facility.

The modifications to the building will cost 7.4 million crowns, of which the grant from the Ministry of Culture should cover 5.2 million CZK. The creation of the barrier-free route is expected to cost 2.2 million CZK, of which 1.9 million is to be obtained from the State Fund for Transport Infrastructure. The remaining funds are allocated for project documentation, technical supervision, and other expenses.

The works are planned for June to September to minimize the disruption of the theater's operations. In addition to the barrier-free modifications to the cultural center, the sidewalk on Tylova Street and on Osvobození Avenue from the bus stop near the 2nd polyclinic to the cultural center will be repaired. This will fulfill the requirement for creating a barrier-free route.

The construction of a lift in the Příbram cultural center has been discussed for several years. The town hall had even put out a tender in the past and selected a construction company, but the project ultimately fell through. They failed to secure the grant in time. Previously, people with disabilities were getting into the auditorium via a freight elevator. However, the Labor Inspectorate prohibited this, and technicians are also not allowed to use it. The freight elevator can only transport items, but not people. Therefore, a disabled person must have an escort to help them up the stairs.

The complex from the 1950s consists of a large and small theater stage, a club, a cinema, and a large social hall. It also includes a restaurant, café, and hotel. The building is not in good condition, and its total renovation would require nearly 175 million crowns according to previous estimates. However, such a fundamental reconstruction is not currently within the town's capabilities.