MMR estimates the costs for the rescue of the barracks in Terezín and Josefov at 4.7 billion CZK

Prague - The Ministry for Regional Development (MMR) estimates investment costs for the rescue and revitalization of buildings in the fortress towns of Terezín and Josefov at least 4.7 billion crowns. The ministry wants the state to take on the comprehensive solution and set a recovery plan involving various ministries, cities, and regions at the government commission level. This follows from a proposal for a resolution that the government will discuss at its Thursday meeting.

According to the MMR, the problem of deteriorating structures in the fortress towns cannot be solved at the city level because, due to the size of both towns and the extent of the property, they lack the necessary resources, and so far, funding has not been found at the regional level either. Therefore, it proposes that the state take on the role of a leader. "The goal of the material presented to the government is also to resolve the issue of property rights arrangement for both fortress towns to ensure long-term sustainability and viable operation of the respective buildings. The aim is to save the buildings and bring them back to life," the MMR told ČTK.

The material indicates that the total investment costs for revitalizing brownfields in Terezín in the Litoměřice region are estimated at around 3.5 billion crowns. The most well-known Žižkov Barracks need essential support, but also other buildings, such as the Proviant Storage, Military Hospital, Armory, and Kavalír IV. Additionally, flood defenses will need to be addressed.

According to Terezín's mayor, René Tomášek (independent for RESET), the Žižkov Barracks are 'on the verge of collapse.' He told ČTK that he still hopes for financial assistance that would manage to save this significant monument in the city.

The costs for repairing the late Baroque building, Square Barracks in Josefov near Náchod, have been estimated at 1.2 billion crowns. The intention is to build storage spaces for five cultural institutions in the Hradec Králové region and cultural and social activities for the public.

Council member from Jaroměř and former mayor Josef Horáček (Jaroměřáci and STAN) considers the estimated amount realistic. "It should be sufficient. The government proposal states that the property should be transferred to the state. I'm not sure if this directly concerns the Square Barracks. I wouldn't fully understand why to transfer it to the state when it has a 100% utilization by the Hradec Králové region. But if that were a condition from the state for the investment, I would personally welcome it provided that it is ensured what the building would be used for,” Horáček told ČTK today.

In the twelve-thousand-strong Jaroměř, most properties in the Baroque fortress town belong to it, but it does not have the money for reconstruction. Josefov is among the peak achievements of European fortress architecture. The estimated costs by the town hall for the restoration of the entire fortress town are around seven billion crowns.

According to the MMR, the amounts for repairing the barracks may be higher due to high prices of building materials, energy, high inflation, and fuel.

In the past, the use of funds from the National Recovery Plan (approximately 600 million crowns for the repair of barracks in Josefov and 700 million in Terezín) was considered for the restoration of buildings in fortress towns. However, the current Minister for Regional Development, Ivan Bartoš (Pirates), stated in April this year that the funds from the National Recovery Plan would not be used for the repairs of the barracks because the criteria associated with accessing funds cannot be met.