The project for the new gallery in Ústí nad Orlicí could be completed next year

Ústí nad Orlicí - Ústí nad Orlicí is likely to complete the documentation and building permit for a new gallery in the area of the former textile factory Perla by the middle of next year. In the meantime, it will also look for grant programs that would be suitable for the approximately one hundred million project. ČTK was informed by mayor Petr Hájek (Oušťáci association).

"We are targeting grant titles that go through the Ministry for Regional Development for the revitalization of brownfields. The cost will be around 100 million crowns," said Hájek.

Last year, the city completed an architectural competition. Eighteen applicants registered to create a design for the Perlou Gallery, and the expert jury selected five participants. The first place was awarded to the architectural studio Chybik + Kristof Associated Architects from Brno. They will likely also be responsible for the project.

"If we agree to conclude a contract, we have a request for minor adjustments to the proposal, for example, connecting the two structures with an outdoor bridge," said Hájek.

According to the architectural design, the city wants to transform part of the Perla textile factory area, specifically the administrative building, machine room, and transformer station. The proposal is to transform it into a modern art gallery.

An educational space and a textile cabinet, which will highlight the city’s textile history, are also to be created in the building. The city organization Klubcentrum will also find new facilities there. A café is proposed on the ground floor. A preserved factory chimney is a dominant feature around the gallery.

"If we can be very optimistic, we could start building in 2025 or 2026. It is also about priorities since we intend to add a nursing home," said the mayor.

The three-hectare area of the former Perla textile factory has been owned by the city since 2011 and cost 30 million crowns. The city demolished a large part of the buildings. Last September, after two years of construction and interior furnishing, the new children's and youth community center was officially opened at a cost of 85 million crowns excluding VAT.

The area is gradually transforming. The company Vital is building a rehabilitation center there. The administrative building remaining from the former textile factory was purchased by a firm that intends to use the building for services, shops, and apartments. The Pardubice Region plans to start building new studios for the arts and crafts school in Ústí nad Orlicí in the first half of next year.