Zeman promised that he would help in the negotiations for the exemption for Ještěd

Liberec - President Miloš Zeman today promised that he would help in negotiating an exception for the mountain hotel and transmitter Ještěd in Liberec. Without it, it is not possible to apply for a grant from the Integrated Operational Program (IOP) for its reconstruction. This was stated by Governor Martin Půta (STAN) after today’s meeting with the president at Ještěd. According to him, a building that houses a hotel or restaurant cannot obtain the grant.

Ještěd, opened in 1973, is a national cultural monument. The hotel and transmitter are among the most original architectural works in the Czech Republic. For this unique structure, Karel Hubáček received the prestigious international Perret Prize. However, the building, owned by Czech Radiocommunications, urgently needs reconstruction. "A qualified estimate speaks of a figure of approximately 200 million crowns," stated company spokesperson Petra Miterová.

Together with the owner, the Society 73, which includes the Liberec Region, is striving for the reconstruction of Ještěd. "I cannot imagine the restoration without European sources," Půta said. According to him, there is a call in the integrated operational program intended for the restoration of national cultural monuments, of which Ještěd is a part. "The problem is that if a restaurant or hotel is operated in the monument, then it is not eligible for support," said the governor. Today, Zeman promised him that he would discuss with Minister for Regional Development Karla Šlechtová (ANO) whether Ještěd could obtain an exception considering the uniqueness of the building. "Considering that Mr. Hubáček built it as a transmitter and hotel. That’s the character of the building," the governor added.

If the exception could be negotiated, according to Půta, it would be good to apply for the grant next year. The project is currently in the preparation phase for obtaining a building permit. For this preparation, the region has allocated two million crowns, and the owner and hotel tenant will contribute additional funds.

Zeman spent several hours at Ještěd today. He took the cable car up and Ještěd showed him both its friendly and its adverse aspect. At times, the sun shone, and at other times, it snowed. "As the clouds dispersed, he did not spare superlatives. He even said that of all the visits to the regions, this is the most exceptional place he has visited, thanks to the view," said the governor.

In a poll, people chose Ještěd as the Czech building of the 20th century. The Liberec Region is striving to have Ještěd entered on the UNESCO list of monuments. Czech Radiocommunications acquired the hotel and transmitter for 85 million crowns in 2000, when they bought it in not very good condition from a former owner who was in decline. According to the company’s spokesperson, over 50 million has been invested in the repairs since then. The fiberglass shell has undergone partial restoration, windows have been changed, and the building has been connected to the public sewer system. Society 73 is gradually trying to restore the interiors. The lounge and bar have already regained their original appearance.