<tr><td>The renovated cultural center in Aš is awaiting the return of balls; associations will be based there.</td></tr>

Aš – In Aš, located in the Cheb region, the reconstruction of the historically protected cultural center has been completed, where interest groups will also move their facilities by the end of the year. From 2027, balls and other social and cultural events could return to the renovated social hall. CTK was informed about this by Mayor Vítězslav Kokoř (ANO). The repairs lasted three years and cost 174 million crowns, including tax. Subsidies partially helped cover the costs.

According to the mayor, the reconstruction, which began in June 2023, affected the building completely from the basements to the roof. It has new windows, a facade, a cozy corner was created in the courtyard, the parquet flooring, curtains, and stage were replaced, and new lighting was installed in the halls. "Heritage conservationists ensured that the character of the building was preserved. They also agreed to place a commemorative box near the entrance, where we will store information about the reconstruction sometime in autumn. The public could also get involved; the names of those who financially supported the repairs will be on a plaque in the foyer,” said the mayor.

In addition to donations, the project was supported by a grant of 10.5 million crowns from the Integrated Regional Operational Program. Aš is also applying for a grant of 20 million crowns from the Just Transformation Operational Program, for which a decision has not yet been made. The city financed the repairs from savings from previous years.

There is a problem with damp basements in the building. "This is a problem throughout the entire street; the Aš stream seeps into the basements of the surrounding houses and the post office. We constantly had water here, let's say, up to our ankles. This was resolved with a system of five pumping shafts. And all around the exterior walls, there are false walls that absorb the water, which goes through drainage to the sewage system," described construction manager Václav Frolík.

In other rooms and offices, there will be facilities for groups and organizations that previously were located in various places throughout the city or did not even have their own spaces. According to the mayor, this includes, for example, a debt counseling service, a low-threshold center that works with drug addicts, as well as sports clubs. Some spaces will be shared by multiple organizations.

The building was constructed in 1912 and originally served as a community house with a gym. It gradually transformed into a school, restaurant, and cultural center. In the interwar years, historical records from the city chronicle indicate that physical education teacher Konrad Henlein worked here, later becoming one of the highest-ranking Nazi officials in the Protectorate.

In the past, demolition was also considered. However, the building has been historically protected since 2019. The management will be taken care of by the city company Tebyt. The city, with approximately 12,700 residents, operates with an annual budget of about 420 million crowns.