The reconstruction of the North Bohemian Museum in Liberec will be more expensive

The museum reconstruction began in April and is scheduled to be completed by the end of next year. The architecture of the building, which was constructed in the late 19th century, will remain the same after the reconstruction, but the exhibitions will change radically and the building will be more accessible. "The technical equipment will also improve, air conditioning will be added, and the electrical wiring, which is still in aluminum, will be completely replaced," said Jiří Křížek, the museum director, to ČTK. A new sewage and water supply connection is also being built. The museum will also use the work to diagnose historical network installations, heating ducts, and sewage systems.

Initially, the reconstruction costs were estimated at one hundred million crowns. The construction work was originally expected to cost around 69 million crowns, but due to the rising prices of construction materials, the price has increased to more than 81 million crowns. Only the market prices of glass structures have risen by a quarter according to the designer over the past year. More money will be needed for project updates and interior equipment. The initial cost estimate was around 24 million, but it will ultimately be four million more. "Before making a decision on the contract for the interior, it is necessary to secure additional financial resources," Loučková Kotasová said.

The reconstruction of the museum is not the only regional project complicated by the rise in construction material and labor costs. The region must also repeat the public tender for the construction of the vocational training center at the Secondary School of Trades and Services in Jablonec nad Nisou. No bidders were found for the contract worth 61 million crowns. Similarly, a new tender must be issued for the reconstruction of the Regional Scientific Library in Liberec, for which the region also received a grant. "It is questionable whether the rising prices of construction materials and labor are the reason; it is rather about the high market saturation, companies have enough orders, which drives prices up. The reason for higher prices is also the gradual specification and supplementation of contracts," added the councilor.