Kroměříž is requesting a grant for the renovation of a former military building

Kroměříž - Kroměříž has submitted an application for a grant for the first phase of the reconstruction of the building in the area of the former barracks on Hanácké Square. The estimated cost of adapting the ground floor of the building into a community center is around 50 million crowns. From European funds, the city could receive a grant of up to 18 million crowns, said Deputy Mayor Pavel Motyčka (KDU-ČSL) to reporters today. The remainder would come from the city budget.

If the city succeeds with its grant application, construction work and the supply of equipment will take place in 2019. Several organizations are expected to establish their headquarters in the building. "There will be two social services, specifically protected workshops and a low-threshold center. In terms of education, there will be an educational center run by our education department. There will also be an environmental center, affiliated with the Barbořice association. My heartfelt wish is to create a space for some kind of youth club, which young people in this area have been calling for a long time," said Motyčka.

The social services of the city should provide a social therapeutic workshop called Hanáček on the ground floor of the building, including a training café where people with intellectual disabilities will learn work and social skills. In addition to the café, a ceramic workshop is also planned. The EKO-club of the Barbořice association intends to organize educational and leisure activities focused on ecology. They want to establish a charity bazaar and a group supporting children's connection to nature.

The low-threshold facility for children and youth, currently operated by the non-profit organization Podané ruce on Lutopecká Street, would also move into the building after the renovation. Kroměříž will ensure the operation of a methodological and educational center and a student club. "We do not have a technically equipped room suitable in size for training directors and teachers of kindergartens and elementary schools, as well as educators of leisure centers across the entire area of the municipality with extended authority Kroměříž, nor a place for student forums and the school parliament of high school students," added Motyčka.

The city hall should find out about the success or failure of the grant application in August next year. By then, the project documentation should also be completed, and the building permit issued. If the city succeeds, procurement procedures for construction and interior equipment will be initiated. The community center could start its activities in September 2020.

In other parts of the building, the city is considering the establishment of a military museum and also an experiential hostel in the style of barracks for the future. Kroměříž acquired the property from the army after its departure from the city; the troops left in 2004.