Brno has completed the remediation work at the former prison

Brno - The remediation work at the former prison on Cejl Street in Brno has been completed, costing 5.3 million crowns, which focused mainly on repairing the roof and framework. This has saved the building from further deterioration, said Richard Mrázek (ANO), the mayor's deputy, to reporters today. The city is now waiting to see whether the Ministry of Culture will declare the prison a cultural monument. They plan to build a creative center for artist gatherings in the building, and classification as a monument could increase the project's costs. Strict regulations must be followed during repairs of monuments.

The remediation work lasted about six months. Besides the leaking roofs, it also affected the entrance from Bratislavská Street, electrical installations, and chimneys. Additionally, ventilation grilles have been installed in the windows to prevent birds from entering. Thanks to the work, access to the former prison, where several events such as theater performances and exhibitions are planned, is now safe.

"Even before the general reconstruction of the building into the Creative Center Brno, the former prison is reopening to the public for theatrical performances, exhibitions, or tours," stated Tereza Chrástová from the Brno City Strategy Office. The first event at the former prison was a concert by Iva Bittová over the weekend.

The planned creative center is expected to include studios, exhibition spaces, and historical displays. The costs for its establishment are estimated in the hundreds of millions of crowns. However, the city will not begin work on the center until the ministry decides whether to declare the prison a cultural monument. This is being requested by the National Heritage Institute.

The prison was established in the 18th century. It served its purpose from 1784 until 1956, when it was replaced by a new prison in Bohunice. According to Chrástová, the building has been empty for about ten years. A construction-historical survey has already taken place on the premises, which revealed the location of the sought-after execution site, which was located in the women's courtyard between the windows of cell 64.