The reconstruction of the Thermal hotel for 580 million could begin in the fall

Karlovy Vary - The reconstruction of the Karlovy Vary Hotel Thermal could begin this fall. The Ministry of Finance has already selected a designer who is currently preparing the project documentation for the planned reconstruction costing approximately 580 million crowns. Michaela Tesařová, the ministry spokesperson, told ČTK. The hotel, which is annually at the heart of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, is owned by the state, and the Ministry of Finance manages it. The repairs should not disrupt the festival.

"Currently, a designer has been selected, and they are already working on the project documentation. Subsequently, individual contractors will be competed for. The first work could start in the fall of this year, but that depends on the course of the tender process. Initially, the reconstruction of the rooms is planned," said Tesařová.

The board of directors and the supervisory board of Thermal approved the investment plan on Thursday, according to Tesařová. According to the plan, the work is expected to last from the end of 2018 to 2021, ensuring that it does not interfere with the organization of the International Film Festival in any of the stated years.

"As part of this plan, we also foresee the reconstruction of the hotel's swimming pool and its transformation into a spa wellness center for the general public. The investment plan includes a reconstruction worth 580 million crowns," added Tesařová.

The rooftop pool of the Hotel Thermal was one of the symbols of the spa town, but it was closed at the end of 2016 for technical reasons and has been deteriorating ever since, much to the displeasure of the public and experts. The Ministry of Finance has promised a change of the pool into a wellness center, as reported by the website irozhlas.cz.

The hotel, built according to the design of the Machonin couple in the 1970s, has undergone only partial renovations in recent years and needs a complete reconstruction. Last year, the Ministry of Culture rejected its listing among cultural monuments, partly because, due to its location in the center of Karlovy Vary, it is already subject to heritage protection.