Kolín announced an architecture competition for a new library at Jiráskovo Square

Kolín - Kolín announced an architectural competition for the design of a new city library on Jirásková Square. Proposals for the single-round competition are accepted until September 30th. Information about the competition was published today on the website of the Czech Chamber of Architects.

The Kolín city library has been located since 1948 on Husova Street in the building of the former Česká spořitelna. In addition to increasing capacity for the book collection, the modern new building should also offer community space and relaxation zones. "The current operation of the city library in Kolín 'survives' where it is, only thanks to the enthusiasm of its staff. It is not at all suitable and is not at the level that such an institution should be. Given the city's potential, the number of inhabitants, and the time we are in," stated city architect David Mateásko in the assignment of the competition.

The proposal will serve as a basis for pre-project and project preparation for the building. It must respect the spatial study of Jirásková Square, which is awaiting reconstruction in the coming years. The estimated cost of constructing the new library is 240 million crowns. The preparation, discussion, and construction period is estimated at five to ten years. The library should also include an underground garage. The competition assignment also contains comments that arose from the April public meeting with citizens.

According to the original plan, the library was to be located in the grounds of the Kolín Castle on a plot left vacant after the so-called barley granaries. However, at the beginning of the year, the city retreated from this original plan. The reason was the requirement of heritage protectors, who stated that the new building could not exceed a height of two stories, which the city does not find sufficient.

In addition to the city architect and city management representatives, the competition jury also includes three independent architects. The winning proposal will receive 500,000 crowns, the second 350,000 crowns, and the third 150,000 crowns.

In recent years, Kolín has also used architectural competitions to prepare proposals for other locations, such as the revitalization of Pražská Street or Komenského Park.