Zlín is preparing a reserve for the renovation of the Great Cinema and the house in the square

Zlín - The city of Zlín is preparing a reserve for the renovation of the Great Cinema and the building in the Míru Square. So far, it has allocated 60 million crowns from its budget, with more funds expected to be added in the coming years. However, the reconstruction of both buildings is not realistic in the near future.
The city recently received reports from structural engineers about the poor condition of both buildings; the Great Cinema has already been closed. In the case of the building in the square, which is used by the city hall and contains a fast food outlet, this will happen soon. The city hall has now commissioned materials on the possible further use of the buildings, but these are expected to be completed only in a few months, said the mayor's deputy, Bedřich Landsfeld (STAN), to ČTK today. The fate of the buildings was also discussed by the councilors today.
"We commissioned the preparation of technical studies, estimates, and assessments of how and in what time frame we would be able to either build a replacement after a potential complete demolition of the Míru Square building number 10, or whether the situation of the Great Cinema can be resolved through renovation, or also complete demolition and construction of a new one. All options are still on the table," Landsfeld stated.
In light of these unplanned investments, the city has set aside a reserve of 60 million crowns, although according to Landsfeld, this money will certainly not be sufficient. However, the realization is not expected until a few years from now, so the funds would be gradually released from budgets.
The monumentally protected Great Cinema is the largest cinema hall with year-round operation in the Czech Republic, having 1010 seats. The cinema was constructed in 1932 by Baťa company according to the design of architect František L. Gahura. The original capacity of the auditorium was 2270 places, which has been gradually reduced. Currently, the load-bearing walls and roof of the cinema are in a critical state.
Due to the closure of the cinema, the international festival of films for children and youth, which has been based there since 1961, will not take place this year. The festival traditionally started there. "The festival will kick off this year at the Golden Apple Cinema multiplex," said the festival spokesperson Kateřina Martykánová to ČTK today. The festival management is negotiating locations for further screenings.
The ground floor of the building on the square is made of unburned bricks, while the upper floors are made of burned bricks. Cracks have begun to appear in the walls. The city hall will relocate its departments to other premises.