Masaryk University will repair the Jesuit college in Telč

Telč (Jihlava Region) - The Masaryk University in Brno has prepared a project for the extensive renovation of the former Jesuit college building, which houses the University Center Telč. The area is to serve the needs of the emerging Central European Center for Cultural Heritage - an educational and research institution of Masaryk University. At the same time, in cooperation with the Vysočina Region, it will provide library and information services to the public. CTK was informed of this today by the center's director, Josef Plucar.
    The value of the construction work will reach 167 million crowns. They will be fully financed from European funds. "The planned construction modifications will allow for an increase in the capacity of the facility to a total of 500 students in all forms of study," said Plucar. Work will begin at the beginning of 2008 and will last for three years in several phases.
    The renovation project counts on the establishment of a library with a study room and a lecture hall with a capacity of 60 seats. A café, a script shop, and offices are to be created on the first floor. The attic spaces are expected to serve as accommodation for teachers and the building manager. The entire facility will receive a new facade, windows, and barrier-free access. Staircases and sanitary facilities will be renovated, as well as the heating system, including the boiler room. The building will undergo a replacement of the electrical installation, internet network, and security system.
    The building of the former Jesuit college is listed in the Central Register of Cultural Monuments. Additionally, it is part of the heritage reserve of the town of Telč, which was entered into the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage list in 1992.
    The University Center Telč has been serving students since the academic year 2002/2003, when the Faculty of Arts began teaching art history focused on heritage preservation and cultural heritage protection. A year later, the Faculty of Economics and Administration joined in, opening bachelor's combined study programs focused on economics, public administration, regional development, tourism, banking, and management. Concurrently with these programs, lifelong learning programs are also taking place in Telč.
    Masaryk University, based in Brno and founded in 1919, is currently the second largest university in the Czech Republic. Its nine faculties employ over 4,200 staff members and more than 36,000 regular students are enrolled. Approximately 17,000 listeners complete lifelong learning programs annually.