The reconstruction of the brewery in Domažlice already has a zoning decision

Domažlice - After years of preparation, Domažlice has obtained a valid zoning decision for the complete reconstruction of the heritage-protected brewery from 1720, which will become a multifunctional cultural and social center as well as a microbrewery, where the well-known Domažlice beer will be brewed again after 18 years. The conversion of the building is estimated to cost 65 to 70 million crowns. An additional up to ten million crowns will be spent on the brewery equipment. Everything is aimed at starting this year, said Mayor Miroslav Mach (Association for the City of Domažlice) to ČTK.
    "We are currently finalizing the implementation documentation, which we should have by the end of June, at the latest in July. The construction will be divided into phases," stated Mach. Immediately after that, the city will announce a tender for suppliers. The city hall's aim is to begin the first part this year, but due to the complicated public procurement law, the start may be delayed. The construction can be completed in one year if the necessary funds were available, which they are not, he added.
    The city will apply for subsidies from the Regional Operational Program, which will announce its final calls this year. "In June, we will evaluate the risks, project financing, including credit. The city council will decide how large a portion of the construction will be put out to tender. We cannot issue everything at once when we do not have complete financing secured. But we definitely have to start," said Mach. The brewery is planned to open in 2015.
    Domažlice has invested 1.4 billion crowns in the past six years. In the next two years, they plan to invest another 400 million crowns into the brewery, a swimming pool, a cultural center, and insulation of schools.
    The brewery will be municipal. The brewer will be an employee of the city hall and will also serve as a guide. The city will only lease the restaurant, the construction of which will cost around five million crowns; the operator of this establishment, which the city is not currently looking for, should contribute to this investment.
    The brewery's production in the first phase is expected to be 1,000 hectoliters of beer annually, but its capacity will be up to three times that. "We want it to be top-quality beer, a premium lager that would compete with Pilsner Urquell," said Mach. The money from its sales will be used for promoting the area and operations. The city hall aims to make this place a cultural center of the region that would attract tourists. The tradition of brewing beer in the city dates back to 1341.
    In the building near the square, a gallery, two larger halls for congresses and social events, a hall for theater and music will also be created. One floor will be occupied by a library. Additionally, an exhibition on Hussite history is planned there.