Brno has a designer for the creation of a Creative Center in the former prison

Brno - Brno has selected a contractor for the project documentation for the establishment of a Creative Center in the former prison on Cejl Street. Thanks to the documentation, the city could apply for a grant from the European Union next summer, said the mayor's deputy Matěj Hollan (Žít Brno) today to ČTK. The creation of the center is estimated to cost around 400 million crowns, and according to Hollan, the grant could be around 150 million. Artists will gather at the center, with implementation planned between 2020 and 2022.

The project documentation will be prepared by the company Kava, which also won the competition for the form of the center this year. "The winning design by Kava naturally combines workspace for creative industries, such as design, architecture, media, and others with the dignity of the given place," said Hollan.

According to him, the project is a key initiative for supporting the creative industry in Brno and will also help to make the neighborhood more attractive.

The former prison is located in a marginalized area, where many socio-economically disadvantaged people live. The city has made the most necessary repairs worth several million crowns to prevent the building from further deterioration. Last year, the Ministry of Culture declared the building a cultural monument, so stricter rules will need to be followed during the reconstruction. "The facility is already being preliminarily revitalized by cultural events, theaters, concerts, expert historical tours, and a part is used as a venue for workshops within the project Colors of Brno's Bronx," said Hollan, who is responsible for culture.

There could be separate and shared offices, studios for artists, open workshops, editing rooms, a café, a music club, or a hall with a capacity for 250 people. The prison was established in the 18th century and served its purpose from 1784 to 1956. It was replaced by the prison in Bohunice.