The Zlín town hall is planning a gradual reconstruction of the Zlín castle

Zlín – The Zlín City Hall plans a gradual reconstruction of the Zlín Castle. If it receives a subsidy, it aims to replace the windows in the second half of this year, with costs estimated at 30 million crowns. In the future, the castle is expected to become a multifunctional facility, housing several institutions, said Deputy Mayor Pavel Brada (ANO) to reporters today.

Until last year, the castle was managed by the non-profit organization Zlínský zámek, but the city will now take back a larger portion of the leased spaces into its management. "Zlínský zámek o.p.s. will retain the Václav Chad Gallery and spaces on the third floor; the remaining spaces will be taken over by the city for its management, and a gradual reconstruction will begin," stated Brada.

According to him, the city intends to prepare a project for the overall restoration of the castle, and will first negotiate with architect Pavel Míček, who previously prepared a study for the restoration of the building. "Pavel Míček is the author of the comprehensive reconstruction study of the castle; he has excellent knowledge and information regarding the castle building. Therefore, he is our first choice for implementing the gradual reconstruction. If we cannot reach an agreement, we will approach other architects. As part of the reconstruction, we want to replace, for example, heating, electrical wiring, repair walls, facades, and ensure the static stability of the ceilings," Brada mentioned. The gradual reconstruction could cost up to 90 million crowns; however, it would only involve necessary repairs, not a total reconstruction.

The Zlínský zámek company will have access to about a quarter of the spaces it previously rented. In addition to operating costs, it invested nearly five million crowns in the revitalization of the castle. "The ground floor was reconstructed, floors on the first floor, exhibition halls including the large hall. The company also partially repaired the outdated electrical installation and cleaned the attic spaces," said company representative Kateřina Martykánová.

According to the chairman of the board of Zlínský zámek o.p.s., Čestmír Vančura, the overall revitalization of the castle building is the only meaningful solution, and the company has not considered any other options. "Therefore, we had a study of the overall revitalization of the castle done, and for a couple of million crowns, we only provisionally repaired the most necessary things. In the end, a larger part of the castle functioned, but maintaining operations there without support is an expensive matter. Tomáš Baťa, who donated the castle to the city, wished for it to serve the people of Zlín. It is a pity that we have not been able to decide for ten years what to do with the castle," stated Vančura.

According to the city, a restaurant and café should be restored on the first floor of the castle, with representatives of the project Živý Zlín, who are responsible for events in the city, occupying the space. On the second floor, in addition to the existing gallery, there should be a ceremonial hall, spaces for concerts or exhibitions. On the third floor there could be an office for the city architect, and in the future, there might also be a museum of the city's history.