Jičín will sell the first plots for houses in the barracks through a bidding process, the rest through auction

Jičín - The city of Jičín will sell the first seven plots for building family houses in the area of the former barracks through a bidding procedure. The remaining 45 plots are to be sold by auction. This was stated today by the city hall spokesman Jan Jireš. The method of selling the plots has been discussed by the city hall for over a year. Infrastructure and roads in the attractive location of the barracks near the center have been under construction by Jičín since March 2022 and are expected to be completed this autumn. With a cost of 274 million crowns, it is the largest investment so far in the sixteen-thousand-inhabitant town.

The seven plots offered for sale will be located in various parts of the site. Only individuals will be able to apply for them, with each applicant allowed to acquire only one plot, according to the conditions approved by the councilors. The highest offered price will determine who gets the plot. The city may announce the procedure, which is also meant to gauge interest in the plots, by the end of the year, the spokesman said. The remaining plots for family houses are expected to be sold in the second phase by auction.

The council rejected proposals from some councilors to allow only people with residency in Jičín to apply for the purchase of a plot in the bidding process. According to the city hall, this would be a discriminatory practice in violation of legislation. "The approved procedure was recommended by the ministries of the interior and for regional development," said the spokesman.

In addition to the plots for family houses, 12 plots for smaller apartment buildings will also be established in the area. The city has not yet decided on the method of their sale.

In the ten-hectare site near Valdštejnská Linden Alley, approximately 200 housing units should be created in total. A small square is planned to be located in the center of the district, and new greenery will also enhance the area. The city is expected to build a kindergarten in the location in the future.

The construction of infrastructure is primarily being financed by a loan of 180 million crowns. The city anticipates that proceeds from the sale of the plots will return the funds. The city will begin repaying the loan this September, with the final payment scheduled for 2037.

The extensive military complex was acquired by the city between 2000 and 2006. In 2012 and 2013, most of the buildings in the area were demolished. The urban study and catalog of houses were developed by the office Cuboid architects based on their victory in an architectural competition in 2014.

Originally, private investors were supposed to transform the barracks site exclusively. However, neither of the two attempts to transfer the location to private hands was successful, and in 2011, the city decided to continue the modifications and utilization of the site on its own.