Rokycany is preparing the revitalization of the Sokolovna, which will be a cultural center

Rokycany - Rokycany have obtained a valid building permit for the revitalization of the sokolovna complex, where a modern cultural center of the city will be established in the coming years. Architects are preparing the project for the construction, after which they will submit a budget, and the city will announce a competition for the construction contractor at around 350 million CZK. After the submission of the bids, the representatives will decide whether the city will proceed with the reconstruction, taking into account financial possibilities, said Jiří Hlad, head of the development department. Rokycany is preparing an application for a subsidy for energy savings from the Modernization Fund.

In the third largest city of the Plzeň region, there is a lack of space for organizing cultural events, graduation balls, balls, or city celebrations. "The sokolovna has been closed for seven years. Now we have obtained permission to remove the extensions and a decision that approved the plan for the revitalization of the complex in the joint territorial and building proceedings," said mayor Tomáš Rada (Rokycanští patrioti) of the fourteen-thousand-strong city.

The sokolovna has stood since 1905, with a small gym extension added in the 1920s and an enlarged extension for a cultural house with a large restaurant in the 1980s. The city will preserve the original historical building and remove both extensions.

The main hall and adjacent lounges have been closed since October 2016 due to the poor condition of the ceiling. Rokycany announced an architectural competition for the revitalization of the sokolovna in the autumn of 2020. Among 14 proposals, the office of Rusina Frei architekti won.

"The design modernly approached the new extension. It is mainly designed from glass and sensitively connects with the historical building. The revitalized sokolovna building will primarily be used as a large social and theater hall with a stage and scenic technology," stated deputy mayor Jiří Sýkora (ANO).

Both buildings will form a single entity divided into three operational sections. In the front, there will be a lobby, foyer, cloakrooms, bar, and café, with two club rooms usable as lounges on the upper floor. In the center will be both halls, which can be connected for up to 500 people. From there, access to the newly created piazzetta, a small square with an outdoor parking lot, as well as the café's garden will be possible. At the back, there will be a stage, backstage areas, operational rooms, and a dance studio. Parking will also be underground. The halls will have retractable auditoriums, a small one with 104 seats, and a large one with 400.

The Neo-Renaissance sokolovna is not a protected monument. It is located on the main street of the city towards Prague. In 2017, the city took it over from TJ Sokol. Demolition was also considered, which most of the competing architectural proposals rejected.