Construction workers found part of the original fortifications in Brno, it will be made accessible

Brno - During the construction of the ecological education center near Špilberk Castle in Brno, builders encountered historical masonry. An archaeological survey revealed that it is the remains of a former fortification. Archaeologists uncovered fragments of walls and foundations at the site. The presence of such historical foundations was not originally accounted for in the project for the center. Therefore, the architects modified the documentation to allow the findings to be made accessible to the public in the new building, said Deputy Mayor Robert Kotzian (ODS) to ČTK.
    According to him, preservationists also participated in the new project. They agreed that restorers would lift the historical masonry, transport it to a location suitable for exhibition, and prepare it there for public access. This will mean additional costs, estimated by experts at eight to nine million crowns. The city council must first approve the change.
    If that happens, construction will begin in the spring according to the revised project, Kotzian said. However, he noted that the new costs should not burden the city budget as much as the amount suggests. "All of these costs have been discussed with the grant providers and should qualify as eligible expenses (for grant payment). It should cost the city little or nothing," said the deputy.
    The construction of the ecological education center received a European grant two years ago. The center will be created on Hlídka Street from a burned-out building where homeless people used to gather. The building will be repaired and an extension will be added. In the future, the center should primarily offer educational programs for kindergartens.
    The project designers had previously estimated costs at 25 million crowns, which will now increase by roughly one third. However, the majority of expenses will be covered by the European grant. The building is set to be constructed according to ecological trends, such as having a green flat roof on the extension. The designers hope that such a solution will better integrate into the park surrounding Špilberk Castle.