Žatec is renovating the former monastery for 100 million CZK, planning to have a robotic center there

Žatec – In Žatec in the Louny region, builders have been working since the end of last year on the renovation of the former Capuchin monastery. The cultural monument is to serve after the reconstruction for meetings of associations and the organization of various events, as well as a robotic and multifunctional center. The costs for one of the largest investments in the city in recent years are estimated at 100 million crowns. ČTK was informed about this today by the head of the development department of the city of Žatec, Kateřina Mazánková.

The work is going according to schedule. "Most of the demolition work, disassembly of existing equipment, mycological surveys, moisture and sewage investigations have been completed, and work has begun on ventilated floors on the ground floor," Mazánková stated. In addition to craftsmen, archaeologists are also present at the construction site, as they came across remnants of the original city walls during the work. Heritage protectors are overseeing the reconstruction.

The reconstruction plan for the entire monastery complex includes everything except the roof, which was repaired in previous years. The restoration will also include the paradise garden in the atrium of the building and the garden by the west facade with outdoor seating. A ground-level extension at the entrance and an elevator in the robotic center will also be added.

The city hall had been preparing the project for the renovation of the 17th-century cultural monument for several years. Last year, the costs were still 80 million crowns, but the amount was increased due to rising prices in construction. The construction was ultimately contracted for 94 million crowns. Additional millions will be spent on restoration work, as valuable Baroque and Classicist paintings were found in the building.

From its own budget, the city intends to allocate 40 million crowns over two years, and 24 million will come from European subsidies from the IROP program and from the local Vladař group funds. The city hall also plans to finance the investment through a loan, the amount of which will be on the agenda of the next council meeting.

The expected completion date for the construction is scheduled for the autumn of next year. The opening of the robotic center, which will also enable advanced technical education for children, is planned for 2024.

The Capuchin monastery complex is located at the southeastern edge of the historic city center and is enclosed by a perimeter wall. It consists of a church with a convent, and most of the land is landscaped as a garden. The monastery was built in the second half of the 17th century. It was abolished in the 1950s, then served as a school and later as a retirement home. It has been abandoned since the 1980s and has been deteriorating since then.