The scaffolding from the Karlín Barracks will not disappear, there is a lack of money for the facade repair

Prague - Scaffolding and other barriers that have surrounded the Karlín Barracks building since August last year due to the emergency condition of the facade will remain in place for now. The operator of the facility, the city-owned company Trade Centre Prague (TCP), does not have funds for the repairs. They are negotiating financing with the city hall. Ondřej Šrámek, spokesman for TCP, told ČTK that the company is ready with the project. The barriers around the entire building were set up by the company last summer, when an expert assessment warned that parts of the plaster or degraded masonry of the cornice could fall off at any time. The measures are located on Prvního pluku, Křižíkova, and Vítkova streets.

"Citizens are protected against falling plaster by the sidewalk encroachment, warning fences, tapes, and traffic signs. Unfortunately, we have not yet received funding for better securing with protective nets, which would also free up the sidewalks. It concerns approximately 20 million CZK," Šrámek told ČTK. Negotiations with the city regarding financing are still ongoing, according to him. ČTK is seeking a statement from the city hall.

"We are able to issue a tender for static securing immediately, we have the budget prepared, documentation, and the opinions of the affected authorities are being finalized. So what is missing is just funding,” added the TCP spokesman.

The barracks housed a cultural and social center since 2017. However, last summer, it was closed by the building authority of Prague 8. A gathering was held in front of the city hall of this district on Wednesday for the reopening of the cultural and social center. TCP also supports it, but the authority must first allow the operation.

The building authority was concerned that the center used the spaces and constructed buildings that are not approved. The operation did not comply with the zoning plan, which the city changed last December. Organizers held film screenings, concerts, and had a bar and café in operation at the barracks. Since last January, the building has been owned by the capital city.

The historic object of the Karlín barracks originates from the 19th century and was used for military purposes during the Czechoslovak and Czech Republic eras. The building has been a protected monument since 1958. The state has tried to sell the premises repeatedly in the past, but without success.