From the former prison in Trutnov, there could be facilities for a museum, a gallery, or a technical house

Trutnov – The former prison in Trutnov could become the facilities and storage for the Museum of the Giant Mountains, a new Dragon Gallery, or a skills house. This is what the proposals that people and other entities sent to the Trutnov town hall suggest, and the city leadership has selected them for further development. In total, the city received nine proposals for the use of the prison from various entities based on a call made at the beginning of this year. CTK was told this by the town hall spokesperson Michaela Dědková.

The historic building of the former prison from the early 19th century was acquired by the city last year from the state. It is located not far from the central Krakonoš Square. The town hall has started looking for a use for the building, and the public could also get involved. "The three most detailed and well-prepared proposals that have a chance of realization should be prepared by their authors for a public presentation. People will then express their opinions in a survey," said the spokesperson. The results of the survey are expected to assist the city leadership in making decisions about the use of the prison.

According to the town hall, the two-story former prison building could serve, for example, culture, education, or community activities. "We want it to serve as many people as possible. These are very interesting spaces in a strategic location in the city center. We must take advantage of this," stated Mayor Ivan Adamec (ODS). The state placed a condition upon the transfer of the prison that the building cannot be used exclusively for commercial projects, such as an entertainment center.

The building was constructed as a municipal prison. In its busiest years, over 1,000 prisoners cycled through it in a year. During World War II, it served as a Gestapo prison, and in the early 1950s as a state prison. After the prison was closed, it housed the archive and most recently served as storage for civil protection. Since the beginning of this century, the building has been empty and unused.

Three years ago, the Office for the Representation of the State in Property Matters considered offering the prison for sale at auction. However, the Trutnov town hall intervened, expressing interest in the building.