Tachov announced the first architectural competition for a new multifunctional building in the square

Tachov – The fifteen-thousand strong city of Tachov has announced an architectural competition for a new multifunctional building, which is set to replace the Food House in the square. The new construction is intended to serve as an impetus for revitalizing the historical center. According to city officials, the current four-story building is the ugliest structure in the square, and its two-year reconstruction was completed last year. This was stated by Tachov's mayor, Petr Vrána (Volím Tachov). The estimated cost of the new building is about 180 million CZK, and the existing building is to be demolished in 2028, when construction will also begin.

"This is an open and single-phase project competition. Part of the assignment is the restoration of the neighboring so-called Hay Market, that is, the historic square in front of the castle gate," said city hall spokesperson Tereza Kořínská.

The building in the lower corner of the square was purchased by Tachov in 2024 from Jednota for over 20 million crowns. "It was a strategic defensive purchase because there was a risk that a private investor would buy it and an unattractive hostel could be established there, as often happens with properties in our country," Vrána said.

The grocery store on the ground floor has been closed for about four years. The city has taken over three lease agreements that Jednota had for a flower shop, a café, and a canteen, and is receiving rent from the non-residential spaces. According to the spokesperson, the building does not meet current requirements in terms of technical condition, spatial layout, or architectural quality. The goal is for the new building to continue serving the needs of the citizens, providing new opportunities for gatherings, and sensitively connecting current trends with the historical character of the city's heritage zone, she said.

The city plans to demolish the building and construct a new one in its place. An economic analysis has been completed. "The construction will cost approximately 180 million crowns, and we will be looking for various funding options," the mayor stated. According to him, repairing the building would not be significantly cheaper. "And mainly, in terms of layout and technical networks, the building is in a catastrophic state," he added. Heritage officials have mandated the preservation of the two-gabled house. Because it is not under heritage protection, they do not have a problem with it being replaced by another structure.

According to Deputy Mayor Jan Straka (Za lepší Tachov), the competition and subsequent construction are an opportunity to revitalize the square, to expand services for residents and visitors, but also to enrich the historical architecture with contemporary quality architecture. Tachov aims for a modern three-story building. There will be parking spaces in the basement for guests and tenants, restaurants, bistros, or cafes, and rental commercial units on the ground floor. The next floor will have spaces designated for shops and services and a city hotel.

The announcement of the winner and presentation of the winning design to the citizens is planned for this fall, and the project will be developed throughout the next year.