Pelhřimov will hold an architectural competition with regard to the use of the OD Vysočina

Pelhřimov - Pelhřimov is in talks with organizations in the city about utilizing the Vysočina department store. They could have their spaces there. Their requirements will be taken into account in the architectural competition. It is expected to be announced around August, said Zdeněk Jaroš (TOP 09), the deputy mayor of the sixteen-thousand-strong city to ČTK.

According to him, the preparation of the competition is longer, as the city wants to have clearly defined what use it expects from the three-story property. Contributory organizations and local associations could have facilities in it. In March, the city organized a joint meeting for them to agree on the need for common spaces, such as kitchens and restrooms. The city commissioned the company 4ct to process the preparations for the urban-architectural competition. It will pay 250,000 crowns for it. "We would be pleased if the adjustments could happen as soon as possible, as some organizations are in spaces that are no longer sufficient for them. But I am afraid it will still take three to four years," Jaroš said.

The former department store on Solní Street, just 200 meters from Masaryk Square, was purchased by Pelhřimov in 2023 for 48 million crowns. According to Jaroš, the costs associated with operating the building are now covered by the tenants, and the city does not need to subsidize them. The ground floor has a bar or a drugstore. The upper floor is partially used by the Vysočina Region as a repository. A presentation room for an electric car and e-bike dealer is also rented there. One of the offices has also been successfully rented out. The city also has interested parties who want to operate a fitness center in the 800 square meters of free space on the ground floor. "We currently have three applications. The city council has announced a selection process, and we are waiting for offers," Jaroš said.