The study of the hall in the Imperial Baths will be prepared by architect Hájek

Karlovy Vary - The verification study for the insertion of a concert hall into the Emperor's Spa in Karlovy Vary will be prepared for the city by architect Petr Hájek. The renowned expert will determine whether and under what conditions a full-fledged concert hall could fit into the building, which is a national cultural monument, without jeopardizing its valuable historical elements.

The city council approved at its last meeting that the study will be commissioned through the Office of Architecture of the city of Karlovy Vary. The cost of the study should be 450,000 crowns and it is to be completed by the end of June of this year. According to the approved exemption from the rules on public procurement, only one applicant was approached, namely architect Petr Hájek, with whom the city has previously collaborated.

Previous proposals for the placement of the concert hall, which would meet the requirements of the Karlovy Vary Symphony Orchestra, have always faced a negative stance from conservationists. The proposals encroached on the areas of the former spa baths, which are among the most valuable elements of the historical spa building.

The building itself, which is owned by the Karlovy Vary Region, will begin renovations this year. It has already published a preliminary announcement for a public procurement.

If Karlovy Vary prepares such a study for the insertion of a concert hall that receives the approval of the conservationists, the city may, according to an agreement with the region, proceed with the construction of the hall with its own funds for the renovation. This is estimated to cost approximately 150 million crowns, in addition to the 100 million crowns that the city has committed to support the renovation of the Emperor's Spa. The total estimated cost for the renovation of one of the most valuable historical buildings in the spa town is expected to exceed 500 million crowns.