Litoměřice continues the renovation of the former brewery, which will serve entrepreneurs

Litoměřice – Litoměřice continues the reconstruction of the extensive area of the former brewery. The costs for the final phase of the work are estimated at 132 million crowns, with a total of 60 million crowns covered by a grant. The space will be used for small food production. This was stated to reporters by the city's deputy mayor Karel Krejza. Beer is already being brewed in one part of the historical building.

"The largest building in the brewery, which disfigures the city, will be renovated," said Krejza. The project has been promised a grant from the Ministry of Industry and Trade, while the rest will be paid from the municipal budget. The city has now announced a public competition. "If we have a selected contractor by summer, it will be a success. Work could begin in the fall," Krejza stated. The completion of the project is planned for October 2024.

Building B in the western part of the former brewery site is, according to the city hall, in very poor condition, with water leaking into the load-bearing structures and basement areas. The plan includes securing the structures statically and remediation against moisture. The project involves the installation of new ceilings. Smooth plastered surfaces of the facades with original window openings are to be restored. The implementation of the project will be demanding according to the city hall, also considering that the area is in a municipal heritage reserve. The city replaced the roofing in 2016 for 3.5 million crowns.

The city will announce a tender for the lease of the building this year. "It is important to know the subsequent use in such a way that future needs are taken into account during the construction," stated Mayor Ladislav Chlupáč (ODS).

Beer has been brewed in Litoměřice since the Middle Ages. Subsequently, a brewery with five floors of cellars was established, which exported golden beer even to the USA. The boom in the first half of the 20th century was halted by nationalization after World War II. The Crown Brewery ceased operation after 282 years in 2002. Its largest annual production was 150,000 hectoliters.

Out of concern for the future of the building in the municipal heritage zone, the city purchased the property and is gradually repairing the area. A parking lot has been created on the site of the former bottling plant. A family business has rented part of the brewery building and started operations last spring. An exhibition dedicated to brewing in the Litoměřice region has also been created here.