Domažlice are evaluating and searching for the use of a recently purchased factory near the center

photo: Jakub Bacík (industrialnitopografie.cz)

Domažlice – Domažlice want to have a study this year assessing the condition and use of the long-neglected former Králov factory for the production of laces and ribbons, which they purchased last November. The extensive area in the historic preservation zone in the center has significant development potential. Work on the project will begin next year. This was stated by Mayor Stanislav Antoš.

"The area cost us 11.5 million crowns, which, considering the large plots of land, is not such a high price. A space like this in the center will not be available anymore. But it will be a certain burden for the city in the future," he said. The costs of reconstruction will be high. Antoš compared it to the conversion of a brewery into a cultural center for more than 180 million crowns. "There we managed to secure three EU grant programs, whereas here I don’t know. Maybe for some brownfields," he added. He still hopes that suitable programs will open up.

The city council has now assigned a contract for the description and assessment of the actual condition of the area, including a 3D model, according to Antoš. "So we know what we are dealing with. Subsequently, a structural engineer will go there, as some of the back parts have collapsed," he said. The area has already been inspected by both state and city heritage preservationists. "We have negotiated with a company that offers assessments of the property for its use, which could be economically sustainable," he said. Proposals are also being prepared by the strategic development committee, and sociologist Petr Witz from Charles University is analyzing with local high school students what citizens would like to see there.

The area consists of two plots. One is occupied by a large historic building with Gothic cellars. "Getting rid of these main buildings would be a shame, as there is a large built-up volume," said Antoš. Shelters and extensions will be demolished. The condition of the building with a reinforced concrete skeleton and high ceilings is not good, but not catastrophic either. The main four-story building, which faces Vodní Street, could be reconstructed, but this will depend on the opinions of heritage preservationists and structural engineers. On the adjacent large plot at the back, a two-story parking lot could be built. "So we can reduce the capacity in the square, meaning to take away spaces in some areas," he mentioned. Another possibility is the construction of apartments. A large cultural hall could be created in the front section. According to Antoš, it doesn't matter if the area waits for reconstruction for several years. As long as the city can already manage it, he added. The town hall would like to announce an architectural competition.

The factory, built in 1884, was the largest manufacturer of shoelaces, cords, ribbons, and bows in Bohemia between the wars. After nationalization, it became a clothing warehouse; after 1989 it was returned to the original owner, who neglected it, and it has been abandoned for 30 years.