The summer cinema area in Ústí is set for changes, some of which will happen this year

Ústí nad Labem – The summer cinema area in Ústí nad Labem is set to undergo significant changes. Firstly, it will need to be revitalized. This will serve as a preparatory phase before announcing an architectural-urban competition for the alteration of the entire space. After that, the area should fulfill its function and become more accessible to the public. This year, the Cultural Center, under which the summer cinema falls, plans to hold the first movie screening evenings. Jan Vítek, head of the program and promotion department, stated this today.

The area was established in the 1950s and underwent reconstruction approximately 30 years after its opening. Since then, its function has changed, and it is necessary to adapt it to its current operations. "The area was primarily intended for organizing film screenings and film festivals. Considering the current technological demands and the expansion of streaming services, and perhaps also the decline in cinema attendance, it is no longer as usable for that purpose," said Vítek. The Cultural Center, on the other hand, wants to place more emphasis on recreational use and the organization of live performances, such as theater plays, concerts, or music festivals.

The summer cinema hosts several major events annually, including festivals with high attendance. There is a lack of spaces for smaller performances, which is expected to change after the renovations. "The whole revitalization is of a long-term nature, so we have divided it into two phases," Vítek said. The first phase should be completed by this summer. It will involve treating trees, repairing stairs, and replacing and supplementing furniture. A bistro with refreshments will be added. There is also a plan for a cultural program of a more community-oriented nature, which has been lacking in the area until now. The goal is for residents of the surrounding areas to have a place where they can spend their free time. The Cultural Center would like to create a small temporary stage this year, where movies or sports matches could be screened.

The second phase is being developed in collaboration with the City Architect’s Office. "It should lead to a redefinition and updating of the operation of the entire area along with accompanying services," Vítek added. According to him, for example, better transportation services for large productions will be considered, as well as the expansion of public toilets, which often create queues during major events. The recreational area should then be accessible year-round. One of the visions is to add features such as an outdoor classroom or mini-golf; however, the final form will be determined by the results of the architectural-urban competition. "We need to find out what the area can actually offer. We are working on that and trying to find a way to reintegrate it into the city’s operations," the director said.

Extensive modifications to the greenery are also planned, including the implementation of ecological measures. According to Vítek, it will be an expensive change that will require considerable financial resources. The Cultural Center aims to obtain grants for part of the renovations. The first phase, set to take place by this summer, is estimated to cost three million crowns excluding tax. The council has approved the submission of a grant application from the National Recovery Plan.