In Jihlava, the empty part of the factory near the zoo is set to serve culture starting next year

Jihlava – The empty part of the textile factory near the Jihlava zoo should be accessible to the public from next year. The city wants to create a space for a café, a gaming area, and cultural events there with simple adjustments. The city hall plans to hold an architectural competition for the modifications of the entire expansive Modeta complex, which has belonged to the city for several years. The mayor, Karolína Koubová (Forum Jihlava), told ČTK today.

According to the mayor, the architectural competition could be announced next year. "It's a big project, so we would like to take this route as we are seeking quality," she said. The city could apply for subsidies from the National Recovery Plan for the overall reconstruction of the factory, and it also wants to offer the space to private investors.

"We want a large visitor center there from Modeta. We like that it is next to the zoo, which is the biggest tourist attraction in Jihlava and very close to the center," Koubová said. After the renovation, the factory should have a café, accommodation, space for the zoo, as well as for creative education. According to the mayor, the allocation of space for the various activities should be clarified by the end of the year. The transformation of the entire industrial complex will likely cost several hundred million crowns.

According to earlier data, Jihlava purchased the properties near the zoo, which belong to the city, at the end of 2016 for 29 million crowns. The swimwear and sportswear manufacturer Modeta Style remained a tenant in the factory. Part of the complex is no longer used, while part will still have textile production according to the mayor at least until 2024.

With the necessary adjustments to the right wing of the factory complex, which is no longer in use, the city initially planned to begin work this year. "We got stuck because we were dealing with the overall concept of the zoo," the mayor said. In order for people to attend cultural events there, she believes it is necessary to make electrical installations, sanitary facilities, and a safe entrance. "There should be no major construction interventions," she stated. The city organization for culture, Brána Jihlavy, is expected to operate there from next spring.

The factory, originating from the early 20th century, has since been expanded. According to data released by the city during the signing of the purchase agreement, the Modeta complex occupies over 1.2 hectares of land.