<Přerov> will renovate the <smuteční síň>, and <pohřby> will be moved to the <kostela> and <Klubu Teplo>

Přerov - For more than a year, funerals in Přerov will move to different locations, taking place at the St. Michael Church in Šířava and at the Teplo Club in the Upper Square. The reason is the complete reconstruction of the mourning hall, which is part of the cemetery. The last ceremony will be held here on November 15, after which the place will be occupied by a construction company for a year. Changes are also expected for the Přerov funeral service, which will have a new location on Palackého Street from November 18, and the cemetery administration will move to Lančíkových Street, said city hall spokesperson Lenka Chalupová to ČTK. The city has planned the reconstruction of the mourning hall for several years, which will cost 87 million crowns.

The ceremonial hall was built in 1987 and has not been renovated until now. "We want a dignified place for the people of Přerov to say their final goodbyes, which is why we are embarking on the modernization of the building and ceremonial spaces. The administrative part, operational facilities, a place for the closest relatives, and the immediate surroundings of the hall will also be modified," stated Mayor Petr Vrána (ANO).

Due to the closure of the mourning hall, the city has chosen two places for last farewells. Church funerals will take place at St. Michael Church. Civil funerals will be held at the cultural and community center Teplo Club, but its activities will not be interrupted. "We can provide all floral decorations and mourning bouquets delivered directly to the ceremony for both the church and the club," said Bohumír Střelec, managing director of the Přerov Funeral Service.

The complete reconstruction is divided into three phases, affecting the ceremonial hall, administrative part, operational facilities, and areas for the closest relatives, followed by outdoor modifications. For example, there will be a paved area in front of the main entrance, and the staircase will also be repaired. The project also includes the creation of two Zen gardens and a bell tower. "The existing layout will be preserved. The interior is planned in natural tones of light oak and sandstone, combined with glass parts. The catafalque will be newly placed on the stage and will be covered with anthracite marble. Everything will be complemented by brass elements in a matte gold color and timeless seating furniture. A gallery, designed with five benches for seating, will also be accessible to the public," stated Ivana Pinkasová, head of the investment department.

The reconstruction of the mourning hall is among the main investments of the city this year. Its repair is also part of the coalition's program statement. The city has planned the repair of the mourning hall since the spring of 2018, with the work expected to start in 2020. However, in June 2020, the city hall had to postpone several planned investments for that year due to a drop in tax revenue related to the COVID-19 pandemic.