In the Imperial Baths, work is being done to ensure stability and moisture removal

Karlovy Vary – In the Imperial Baths in Karlovy Vary, builders are working on ensuring stability, insulating the foundations, and also conducting earthworks. Of the 829 million crowns that the reconstruction of this national cultural monument is expected to cost, about 50 million crowns have been invested over seven months. This was stated today by Jana Mračková Vildumetzová (ANO), Deputy Governor of the Karlovy Vary Region, during a site inspection.

According to her, the builders have uncovered English courtyards and have stabilized the masonry. "It is clear that there was really a lot of moisture there," she noted. The exploratory work will show how to proceed further. "For example, whether it will be possible to preserve some windows or doors that were in moist areas," Mračková Vildumetzová said.

The construction is divided into three phases, each of which will last about a year. "In this year's phase, we are mainly focusing on the static stabilization of the building, we are doing special foundations, steel structures in the walls, and supporting the ceilings," described Miloš Dubský, director of the Plzeň branch of the Geosan group. According to him, this preparation is for the installation of technologies, which will be the focus of the second phase next year. "The third phase of construction will primarily involve restoration work in the building's interior," he added.

Construction began at the turn of last year and this year. The contractor is the Geosan Group - Metrostav association, which offered the lowest price. The reconstruction is expected to take 3.5 years. Once completed, the Imperial Baths should feature representative spaces, a multifunctional hall, museum exhibition, café, and research room. The Karlovy Vary Region is looking for a tenant for part of the premises, the former spa bathrooms, which are among the most historically valuable parts of the building. It would be ideal if spa services were offered there.

There is still a possibility of constructing a concert hall instead of a multifunctional one. This is the responsibility of the city of Karlovy Vary. However, the condition is that the region obtains the approval of the conservationists and also provides funds for the construction.