The reconstruction of the former VÚTS building will be paid for by the Liberec Region from its own funds

Liberec - The reconstruction of the former administrative building of VÚTS (formerly the Research Institute of Textile Machines) neighboring the regional headquarters into a European House must be funded by the Liberec Region from its own resources. The reconstruction, costing 93 million crowns, aims to restore the building from the 1920s to its former uniqueness. Initially, it was anticipated that funding could be obtained for insulation and window replacement from the Operational Program for the Environment, but calculations have shown that the region will not be able to secure these funds. This was stated to journalists today by Deputy Governor Marek Pieter (Mayors for the Liberec Region) at the commencement of construction.

"The building currently has certain energy requirements, and we are planning to use modern technologies such as heat recovery and air conditioning, which will increase energy consumption. Therefore, we do not meet the conditions for obtaining subsidies," said Pieter. The region will thus fund the reconstruction from its own budget, with 95 million crowns allocated for this purpose, and there is no need to incur debt. The region acquired the building, including the adjacent workshop building and extensive land, for nearly 125 million crowns two years ago. It is now also preparing a project for the revitalization of the workshop building and the entire surrounding area.

The former administrative building of VÚTS is a functionalist structure with elements of art deco and expressionism. It was built between 1928 and 1929 according to the design of architect Oskar Baudisch for the Jewish businessman Otto Strasse, who operated garages there. In 1951 and again from 1969 to 1975, the building underwent reconstructions and extensions that changed its appearance both inside and outside. "Similar to the construction of the hospice, we are trying to revitalize the old building here as well and give it a new purpose. It is certainly better than building on a greenfield site, even if it would be cheaper,” said Pieter.

The contractor for the construction will be the Liberec construction company Syner, which won the public tender. The construction has only 50 weeks to complete, with work expected to finish by March next year. "The building will be completely demolished, the supporting skeleton will remain, and the original outer shape will be preserved. We will return to the original shape and window layout, insulation will be carried out, and a new layout will be created inside,” described the scope of work construction manager Ondřej Jandejsek. The building will be barrier-free. According to him, it must receive a new façade and windows before winter, and over the winter, construction workers will work on the interiors.

After the reconstruction is completed, the European House will be located in the building, where applicants will find European subsidy providers in one place. According to Pieter, the Regional Development Centre of the Czech Republic (CRR) is key, which will serve as a contact point for the Integrated Regional Operational Program (IROP). Currently, it is located in rented premises on Voroněžská Street behind the cadastral office. The building will also house a dispatch center and contact center for the coordinator of public transport Korid LK; the Union of Towns and Municipalities of the Liberec Region and the Euroregion Nisa plan to move their offices there as well.