The Karlovy Vary Imperial Baths have building permission and a promise of funds

Karlovy Vary - The reconstruction of the historically valuable Imperial Baths in Karlovy Vary already has a valid building permit and, according to the governor of the Karlovy Vary Region, Josef Novotný (ČSSD), a promise of subsidies as well. The reconstruction, estimated at about 800 million crowns, could thus begin in April next year, Novotný told reporters today.
According to the governor, the funding for the expensive reconstruction of the historic building, which has been deteriorating for years, should come from multiple sources. "The first source will be funds from the Karlovy Vary Region, the second will be money from the city of Karlovy Vary, the third will be the Regional Operational Program, and the last will be the Integrated Operational Program of the Ministry of Culture," Novotný stated. The region, as the owner of the building, would especially like to obtain the most funds from the Ministry of Culture, about 400 million. However, the outcome of the tender and the value of the winning bid will have a significant impact.
The new mayor of Karlovy Vary, Petr Kulhánek (KOA), today confirmed that the new leadership of the magistrate will honor the promise of the previous leadership and will allocate 100 million crowns from the city for the reconstruction.
Preparations for subsidy applications are not yet complete, as it is not possible to draw subsidies from two EU operational programs for one project. Thus, part of the project will need to be separated from the total reconstruction.
In the Imperial Baths, a representative building from 1895, almost a complete reconstruction of the interior will create spaces for museum exhibitions on spa treatment and the Karlovy Vary Region. There will be an educational or information center, a large multifunctional hall for more than 400 people, which will serve both for social events and for film projections. Part of the building's space is expected to serve as a background for the Karlovy Vary Symphony Orchestra. However, the ornate Zander Hall, which is the main pride of the former spa building, will be preserved.
The city and the region are currently looking for a way to manage the building after the reconstruction. According to Novotný, it is clear that for at least five years, as long as the sustainability condition of the project, which also prohibits commercial use, is in effect, the operating costs will be high. After all, even now, when the building is only heated and monitored, the region spends two million crowns a year on its operation.