Sokolovská uhelná will build 120 recreational houses by Lake Michal

Sokolov – Sokolovská uhelná and the sister company SUAS GROUP are preparing to build recreational housing in Sokolov near Lake Michal. On an area of six hectares, which was created by the reclamation after brown coal mining, 120 modular houses with gardens will be constructed. The intention of the mining company is to offer residents of Sokolov additional options for leisure activities. This type of housing may also appeal to seniors or young couples, said Pavel Tomek, chairman of the supervisory board of Sokolovská uhelná, to journalists today. The city's leadership also welcomes the construction.

"In 2021, we conducted an analysis of our existing locations for residential housing. About five or six locations were identified, with Michal being the most favorable for the speed of implementation; we will use both the southern and northern parts," Tomek said. The construction of houses for seasonal and year-round use is planned for the southern part of the lake above the bike path to Hrušková. According to Tomek, the demand for recreational housing and leisure activities at Lake Michal is still growing. The location is also well accessible from both the city and the highway.

The company is preparing a project with the aim of obtaining a building permit this year. Preparatory work is planned for the next year, including the clearing of invasive trees. They want to start building engineering networks and communications in 2024. The costs for this are estimated to be between 70 and 80 million crowns. It should be clear in the same year what the houses will look like, who will build them, and how they will be offered. The company's intention is to rent the houses, especially to people working in Sokolov and the surrounding area.

The plan includes 120 smaller houses on plots of 400 m². They are considering two types of houses with lightweight construction using natural materials. The smaller house will have a kitchenette, an open interior space, and a terrace, while the larger one will have one additional room. They will be energy-efficient, with plans for solar panels, rainwater collection tanks, and, in the case of larger buildings, heat pumps. The price will depend on size and equipment. The company’s management currently anticipates a rental price of 15,000 crowns per month.

According to Mayor Petr Kubis, Sokolov welcomes the construction of recreational houses. There are few similar places in the city, and the residents of Sokolov are very interested in them. The city is prepared to provide the necessary infrastructure near the lake.

There are also plans for future construction on the other shore of the lake, which will involve building row houses intended for permanent housing. The goal is to prevent the outflow of young people and offer them attractive housing. A study is being prepared for this intention.