In Hranice nad Moravicí, a community center will not be built for 65 million CZK

Hradec nad Moravicí - The planned community and social center in the building of the National House in Hradec nad Moravicí will ultimately not be created. The representatives decided not to continue preparing the investment of 65 million crowns. Mayor Patrik Orlík (SNK Citizens to Citizens) stated this to ČTK. According to him, city officials are mainly concerned about the indebtedness; the city would have to take a loan of 35 million crowns to finance the project. Thus, the town hall will lose an already negotiated grant of 18 million crowns. According to Richard Vacula, the operator of the cinema located in the building, this is a bad decision.

The community center project included the renovation of a building constructed in 1909. It was slated to expand the space used by the library, and the attic study planned the construction of a multifunctional hall. Additionally, the building is in poor technical condition, so it was supposed to be completely repaired and the foundations strengthened. None of this will ultimately take place. "The main reason is the fear of the city's overall indebtedness. Moreover, not all representatives are convinced that the ratio between the price and the value obtained is appropriate," said the mayor.

However, according to him, the building will still be repaired. "There has been talk of reconstruction here for four electoral terms. I would be glad if this could be resolved in this electoral period," said the mayor. He mentioned that there are several options. One is, for example, moving the library to more suitable premises. The costs for such reconstruction will amount to around 55 million crowns.

In the National House building, the successful Orion Cinema operates. Its dramaturge Richard Vacula, who also participated in the preparation of the grant application, perceives the decision as a step that will harm culture in Hradec nad Moravicí.

"Without the community center, the repair will be ten million cheaper. However, the city will lose an 18 million grant. Common sense would decide differently," he believes. He added that for some representatives, it is also a personal matter. "Some are bothered by the operation of the cinema and our success. They perceive it as a threat to themselves," he added.

The mayor rejects this. "The majority’s opinion decided. There were six representatives for the project, and 13 against. Personally, I do not feel any aversion towards Mr. Vacula; if he has such an impression, it would be good for him to specify who feels that way; I have no desire to comment further on this statement," Orlík added.