The reconstruction of Ještěd is estimated to cost 400 million

photo: Emanuel Vejnar

Liberec - The reconstruction of Ještěd is estimated to require 400 million crowns. Even if the Liberec Region were to receive half of that from the EU, it cannot afford such an investment. In addition to the 200 million for repairs, it would have to find around 80 million in its budget to purchase the mountain hotel and transmitter from the current owner, which is Czech Radiocommunications. An additional 20 million would be needed for project documentation and other related expenses. In total, 300 million is needed, which is currently unfortunately beyond the financial capabilities of the Liberec Region, said Governor Stanislav Eichler (CSSD) to CTK. This is the reason why the region has halted negotiations for the purchase.
    On Friday, the governor discussed the possibilities of drawing European subsidies from the Ministry of Culture's program for the restoration of Ještěd with Minister Jiří Besser (TOP 09) in Prague. "The program has about one billion crowns, but there are eleven projects registered in it. The biggest obstacle is the fact that only 50 percent of the total costs can be drawn from the program for the reconstruction project of Ještěd," said the governor. According to him, such a large co-financing is too much of a burden for the region, especially at a time when the restoration of roads destroyed by last year's floods is a priority. More than two billion crowns will be needed for their restoration.
    For Ještěd, which has been a national cultural monument since 2006, the greatest chance seems to be a new tenant that Czech Radiocommunications is looking for. One of the conditions is investment in the restoration of the unique building. Radiocommunications acquired the mountain hotel and transmitter in 2000 for 85 million crowns. They have previously invested over 20 million crowns into the facility. However, the building completed in the 1970s requires a complete reconstruction.
    The Ještěd Mountain Hotel is a Czech building of the century. The hyperboloid, 94 meters high, uniquely combines the functions of a transmitter, hotel, and restaurant. The foundation stone of the building was ceremoniously laid 45 years ago - in July 1966. Its author, Karel Hubáček, received the Perret Award from the International Union of Architects for the project in 1969. The way the building completes the silhouette of the 1012-meter-high mountain still captivates both experts and laypeople. The region is striving for the building's inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage list.