Liberec will begin preparing the revitalization of the crematorium, and possibly an elevator will be added there

Liberec - Liberec will begin preparations for the revitalization of the city crematorium, which is the oldest in the country. There may also be an elevator added. The city hall estimates the costs at 65 million crowns. According to Deputy Mayor Šárka Prachařová (ANO), the goals of the project include reducing energy costs, ensuring barrier-free access, and partially restoring the historic building.

The city wants to achieve energy savings by insulating the building, replacing windows, and installing a heat recovery system. "The city has also committed to some reductions in CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions, so we will be targeting that direction as well. At the same time, we would like to try to ensure barrier-free access by installing an elevator, because these days, as you know, older people have a very hard time getting into the building using the stairs, so ensuring barrier-free access will definitely be part of it. It will also be about increasing comfort during the winter months when it is really cold in the ceremonial hall," the deputy mayor stated.

However, she mentioned that the project is still in its early stages, with only the intent approved so far. Next year, the city plans to have project documentation prepared and to carry out the renovation of the crematorium in 2026 to 2027. According to the deputy mayor, they will also try to obtain European grants for it. If the city succeeds, it will cover most of the costs from those funds.

The Liberec crematorium has been in operation for 106 years, with the first person cremated being Liberec citizen Robert Jahn on October 31, 1918. The crematorium was constructed in the Art Nouveau style by the Liberec firm Gustav Sacher and Sons between 1915 and 1917, according to a design by the Dresden architect Rudolf Bitzan. Its current appearance dates from 1974 when the large ceremonial hall was reconstructed, both wings of the arcade were glazed, and an extension with a new refrigeration unit was built. The original interior furnishings of the large hall, which is 14 meters high, have not been preserved. There are no stained glass windows either, as they were replaced with transparent glass over 40 years ago.

The city carries out smaller repairs to the crematorium continuously. This year and next year, the company PKI - Teplotechna Brno will carry out a general repair of both cremation furnaces, for which the city hall will pay over 16.5 million crowns. Approximately 2000 deceased individuals are cremated annually at the Liberec crematorium.