Bohumín is preparing the modernization of the mourning hall for 11.5 million crowns

Funeral hall in Old Bohumín: current state.

Bohumín - The funeral hall by the cemetery in Old Bohumín in the Karviná region is awaiting several months of reconstruction. The modernization will cost 11.5 million crowns and is expected to be completed by next spring. This was announced to reporters today by city spokesperson Jana Končítková.

"The building was constructed in the 1980s and served its purpose in its original form until 2018. Five years ago, we started external renovations costing nearly nine million crowns. These included insulation, replacement of the roof structure, and a new facade. At the same time, we agreed that it would be necessary to modernize the interior, even though it would bring complications in the form of interrupted ceremonies," said Mayor Petr Vícha (SOCDEM).

The city has previously allowed the construction of new columbaria at the cemetery because the urns placed in the upper floor of the funeral hall were in unsatisfactory condition. Construction work inside the building will begin in the coming days. In both the main and side halls, workers will replace the electrical wiring. Repairs to the original marble floor are also planned. In the main hall, the construction company will install a ceiling and provide new wall cladding. There are plans for the renovation of the staircase, installation of new railings, and replacement of doors. The original colorful appearance of the spaces will be replaced with white, and LED lights will be used for illumination.

Visualization of the new appearance...

"We are also investing in the purchase of 18 benches for the main hall and eight for the side hall. The benches will be heated with electric heaters integrated under the seats. Glass walls and curtains in white and black will also be added to the space,” said architect Jan Hock from the Department of Development and Investments. The equipment will be complemented by a new lectern, stands for wreaths, a large LCD screen, and a speaker.

According to Hock, the side hall will be smaller and have a more intimate feel. Funeral guests should also have more privacy there. "Some families want to say goodbye to their loved ones in a close circle; in such cases, they can use the smaller space. Regarding the appearance, it will have a design similar to the main hall,” added Hock.

The bereaved can continue to use the services of the Bohumín funeral service. Its office will remain operational directly in the premises of the funeral hall. However, they must expect that the ceremonies themselves will take place in neighboring towns or municipalities until April or May of next year.

Before starting construction work, the city completed the revitalization of the panel area used by people to park cars near the funeral hall. An asphalt parking lot with 72 spaces was created over an area of 2,700 square meters. It will also be complemented by new greenery. The investment cost the city hall 1.2 million crowns.