In the building between Moravian Square and Jakub Square in Brno, the second phase of the survey will begin

Brno - The second phase of the construction-technical survey will begin in the building between Moravské and Jakubské squares in Brno. Like the previous one, it is managed by the company Interplan. With work costing nearly a million crowns, they want to start in February, said the company's designer Tomáš Focke today to ČTK. Initial surveys last summer revealed serious deficiencies in the structure, which is why it was not possible to resume operations at the University Cinema Scala and Bolek Polívka Theatre last autumn.

The owner of the building is the city. At their last meeting, the council selected the company that will be in charge of the second phase. "The result will be a final report of the construction-technical survey and static assessment, along with options for the further use of both halls, including financial costs. The contractor has four months from the contract's validity to complete it," stated the spokesperson for the Brno City Hall, Filip Poňuchálek.

The company is now beginning to prepare the work procedures. "Our aim is to physically start in February. This time we will focus on the Scala cinema hall, the bottom of the building, the columns, and the foundations. Previously, we concentrated on the theatre," Focke added.

The theatre and cinema had to suspend operations last year due to compromised statics. The summer survey showed that the halls cannot be used safely. The Bolek Polívka Theatre has obtained provisional facilities in the Dělnický house in Židenice. The city is preparing Sál Břetislava Bakaly in the center as a long-term alternative for it. According to the program on the theatre's website, the first performance there is scheduled for April.

The cinema is screening in the café in the part of the building that is considered safe by the structural engineers. "We are trying to maintain cultural activities in Moravské náměstí, but it is very complicated and in a much worse technical and dramaturgical regard. It cannot be compared to our original activity. Previously, we operated a major cinema program, and now we are trying to provide people with films at least in some quality. Out of 50 employees, only ten remain," said the cinema manager Radek Pernica. The café has 50 seats. "Sometimes it is full, but there are also screenings that are not attended. The audience seeks a different level of comfort," he added. The Scala team is looking for a new venue. According to Pernica, nothing is certain yet.