Mělník has planned repairs to houses in the city conservation area

Mělník - The local authorities in Mělník plan to repair some historically significant buildings in the urban conservation area (MPZ) by 2013. In the first phase, until 2011, the focus will be primarily on restoring the dilapidated monuments in the Square of Peace and its surroundings. This was stated today by Jiří Dohnal, the head of the heritage protection department.
    "We have identified the buildings that most urgently need repair based on three criteria - the heritage value of the building, the degree of damage, and the importance of the building to the city's appearance," explained Dohnal. The so-called regeneration program for the MPZ Mělník has already been approved by the council.
    The first buildings to be repaired will be those on the Square of Peace. "These dilapidated monuments need to be reconstructed to restore a dignified appearance to the central square," Dohnal noted. This primarily concerns buildings numbered 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, and 12. The first phase should be completed by 2011. "Heritage conservation workers have clearly supported this, as these are mostly very valuable buildings with medieval cores," he stated.
    Several other projects are prepared for the following years of 2012 and 2013, which will not relate to the Square of Peace and its immediate vicinity. In addition to the repair of buildings numbered 113 and 151, there is a complete restoration of the façade and roof of Masaryk's Cultural House, which was recently declared a cultural monument. "However, the restoration of the cultural house will depend on the city's financial capabilities and also on potential funding from the Ministry of Culture," Dohnal added.
    The regeneration program also includes the restoration of the statue of Charles IV and the repair of the monument to Captain Otakar Jaroš. These works will be carried out in mutual coordination with the already approved concept for the restoration of monuments, memorials, sculptures, and minor cultural monuments in the city. There are more than 20 in Mělník, and all should be in good condition by 2013.