In Děčín, a shopping center will be developed from a brewery for 850 million

Děčín - A new modern shopping center is set to arise from the former brewery in Děčín, one of the most modern shopping centers in the country. It is expected to begin construction in March next year by the joint-stock company Centrum Pivovar for more than 850 million crowns. The multifunctional center, where beer production may be revived, is scheduled to be completed at the beginning of 2010. This was stated today by the chairman of the board of directors, Vojtěch Ryvola.
    In the Děčín district of Podmokly, the buildings of the unused cultural monument will be combined with modern architecture to form a new square. By the end of February, project studies by three significant architects are to be completed, from which the company's management will select one after the evaluation in March. The Centrum Pivovar company intends to collaborate on the project with the city management, residents, and ecologists. "We want to approach the project very openly, and therefore in March we will exhibit the proposals in Děčín and find out which one appeals to the residents the most," said Ryvola. In the following four months, there should also be discussions regarding permits and construction details with conservationists.
    The two-story center is expected to have an area of up to 30,000 square meters. It should also include several dozen simple small apartments in a newly constructed building at the rear of the brewery as well as in the historic building. In the urban shopping center, which will focus more on culture and entertainment than on commerce, a multiplex cinema with four screening rooms with a total capacity of approximately 560 people will be created. It aims to attract new audiences, hence it will focus more on premiere films.
    Beer production is to be resumed in the former brewery, as the company plans to build a smaller family-type brewery that would supply not only the center but also restaurants in Děčín and the surrounding area. It will also include a larger restaurant, a pizzeria, and several fast-food outlets. New cafes and a fitness center are also to be established. A medium-sized supermarket is expected to occupy an area of about 3,500 square meters. There should also be space for a larger electronics retailer and several branded clothing chains. In total, the center is expected to have seven main large tenants and several smaller ones.
    The construction will utilize the most modern available technologies. "I require suppliers to invest 100 percent of their technical expertise, not their business mindset," Ryvola stated. Solar energy is to be used for heating water, and wastewater will also be utilized. "The project is to be ecological; for example, water from handwashing will go to the treatment plant and then be used to flush toilets," Ryvola explained. Water will also be sourced from three wells that previously served the beer production.
    The company Centrum Pivovar was founded last year by Vojtěch Ryvola and Martin Král. Its headquarters is in Prague. The former Děčín brewery was purchased by the company at the beginning of this year. Ryvola has experience in the construction of approximately 50 shopping centers; his former company was also involved in the establishment of the first shopping center in the Czech Republic in Prague at Černý Most.