Jeseník wants a new multicultural center from Vlado Milunić

Jeseník - Jeseník wants to build a new multicultural center with a theater, a community hall, and a library within three years for 150 to 170 million crowns. Miroslav Hrdlička, a councilor and the director of the City Cultural Facilities, told ČTK. The project could be developed by architect Vlado Milunič, co-author of the Dancing House in Prague, who has already presented the first study to the councilors.
    "The theater is literally crying out for renovation, nothing has been repaired here for 40 years. The most important thing would be to adjust the slope of the seats because the view from the back rows is not good," said Hrdlička. According to him, the city library also needs renovation, but primarily an increase in space, as it currently occupies a cramped building, and the city is also desperately lacking a community hall with a capacity of around 250 people.
    "Everything is in the stage of inception. Next year we would work on project documentation and try to obtain grants from the European Union. In an ideal case, everything could be completed no earlier than in 2012," added Hrdlička.
    Milunič's proposal includes the use of several interconnected buildings, including a residential building in the courtyard of the theater. Hrdlička noted that a new parking facility is set to emerge in the vicinity following the renovation of the bus station, and there is also a cinema on the opposite side of the station. "The whole area would receive a new appearance and new use," he stated.
    According to Mayor Petr Procházka, the successful acquisition of a renowned architect for Jeseník's projects was achieved by his colleague, Deputy Mayor Jiří Staněk, who knows Milunič personally. "It's also a kind of puzzle or challenge for him," said the mayor, adding that Milunič could even become the city architect of Jeseník.
    The Jeseník City Hall expects to cover about 10 to 15 percent of the renovation costs. The rest would be obtained from the union. "The most pressing issue for us is the deteriorating library. In the spring, we would like to submit a joint application for grants from the structural funds with our partner city, Nysa," said Procházka.
    Similar plans are being considered in Prostějov as well. A possible renovation of the building and surrounding area of the local community and cultural center is also linked to the creation of new parking spaces.