Domažlice is assessing and looking for ways to utilize the recently purchased cord factory near the center

Domažlice - Domažlice wants to have a study this year assessing the condition and usage of the long-neglected former Královec factory for the production of shoelaces and ribbons, which they purchased last November. The extensive area in the historical conservation zone in the center has considerable development potential. Work on the project will begin next year. This was stated by Mayor Stanislav Antoš (KDU-ČSL).

"The area cost us 11.5 million crowns, which, considering the large plots of land, is not such a large price. Such a space in the center will no longer be available. But it will be a certain burden for the city in the future," he stated. Reconstruction costs 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 obtain three grant programs from the EU, while I don't know about here. Maybe for some brownfields," he added. He hopes that some suitable programs will open up.

According to Antoš, the city council has now commissioned a description and assessment of the actual state of the area, including a 3D model. "So we know where we stand. Subsequently, a structural engineer will go there because some of the rear parts are collapsed," he said. The area has already been inspected by heritage conservationists, both state and municipal. "We negotiated with a firm that offers an assessment of the building for its use, which could be economically sustainable," he said. Proposals are also being prepared by the commission for strategic development, and sociologist Petr Witz from Charles University is analyzing with local high school students what citizens would like there.

The area is composed of two plots. One is occupied by a large historical building with Gothic cellars. "It would be a pity to get rid of these main objects, as there is a large built volume," Antoš said. 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. The main four-story building, whose facade faces Vodní Street, could be reconstructed, but will depend on the opinions of heritage conservationists and structural engineers. In the adjacent large plot at the rear, a two-story parking lot could be built. "To reduce capacity in the square, that is, to take away some spaces in certain areas," he stated. Another option is to build apartments. A large cultural hall could be created in the front section. According to Antoš, it doesn't matter if the area waits several years for reconstruction. Mainly, 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 did not take care of it, and it has been abandoned for 30 years.