<div> A group of locals is striving to save the former brewery in Kyjov, which has been deteriorating for years. </div>

Kyjov - A group of locals in Kyjov, located in the Hodonín district, is striving to save the years-dilapidated former brewery from the 16th century. They want the city, as the owner, to build a new, perhaps temporary roof or clean the basements to prevent further deterioration. Matěj Černý told ČTK that on Saturday, he and his wife, architect Martina, are holding an exhibition of photographs of the historical building to garner public support. They believe they can create pressure on the city leadership, which currently does not intend to invest in repairs.

Beer production in the premises ended in 1966. Since then, the building has deteriorated, which has affected its current structural condition. "Beneath the building, there are extensive cellars with barrel and cross vaults. We can assume that this part, even though repeatedly rebuilt, is the oldest part of the brewery. According to a static assessment, the cellars are mechanically damaged and show increased humidity, which is degrading the walls. The moisture is also affecting the load-bearing exterior walls. The wooden ceilings and trusses, which are leaking, are in a state of emergency," said the Černý couple, who have long been interested in the fate of one of the oldest buildings in the city. According to them, the city has allowed the structure to continue deteriorating since its purchase several years ago, and they fear the moment when nothing can be saved.

The city has commissioned documentation for the building's demolition but has not yet decided on it. "The static assessment states that the building is in very poor condition, and the only things worth preserving are the exterior walls and cellars. However, until we select a partner to develop the site with, no decision can be made regarding the brewery's future," Deputy Mayor Daniel Čmelík (Sedmadvacítka nezávislých) told ČTK in January. Since then, cooperation with another party has not progressed much. "In the leadership, we agreed that if a prospective buyer were to come forward who wanted to repair the building with their own funds and use it for a meaningful purpose, the city would be willing to offer the building for long-term lease," he added. The city has also considered repairs but prefers to allocate funds for other investments. "There is no purpose for utilizing the brewery," he added.

Nevertheless, the Černý couple believes they can change the fate of the brewery, perhaps through Saturday's event that includes photographs and statements from experts. They are relying, among other things, on the opinions of heritage conservationists, even though it is not a cultural monument. "The historical, urbanistic, and construction value of the last remaining buildings of the economic district, of which the brewery is a part, is, in our opinion, indisputable, mainly due to the age of the site, the typicality of its preserved elements, and the historical definition of the specific location," stated Zdeněk Vácha, director of the Brno branch of the National Heritage Institute. He mentioned that former industrial sites have been transformed by some municipalities and private individuals into buildings for civic amenities, services, or housing. He cited the breweries in Lobč and Znojmo as the most significant examples of revitalization.

In the area where the former dairy has already been demolished, the city plans to build the currently missing cooperative housing. "We are currently working on the final version of the architectural study. In November, there will be a public presentation and discussion with citizens about the project's form. Subsequently, we will begin working on the project for building permission," Čmelík reported. Any potential demolition of the brewery would occur in connection with the implementation of the cooperative housing project.