Kolín is looking for a use for the former water tower

Kolín - The Kolín City Hall is looking for a use for the former water tower from the 1930s, which is one of Kolín's landmarks. It has had several owners, until the city bought it in 2006. However, the tower is decaying, and there is no money for its reconstruction, said Mayor Jiří Buřič to ČTK.
    "It is absolutely clear that any meaningful use of the tower will require investments amounting to at least four, possibly six million crowns," he added. In the past, the city applied for a grant to convert the tower into an information center with an exhibition hall and viewing platform. However, they did not receive the funding.
    According to Deputy Mayor Roman Pekárek, this plan is still relevant. The priority is to stabilize the tower, repair it, and prevent further decay.
    The water tower was built in 1930 and is the work of architects František Janda and Jan Hráský. The original owner, a water management company, sold it years ago to a private individual, who then sold it to another interested party. In the meantime, the property deteriorated. Five years ago, the city purchased it for 2.7 million crowns. "It took on a big black Peter, because even the city currently does not know how to deal with it too well," admitted the mayor.
    According to the urban plan, the water tower and its surroundings should be transformed into a space for entertainment and relaxation. The tower is over 22 meters tall. Inside, there is a double-layer concrete tank that will need to be removed. According to Petr Steklý from the Kolín civic association Prostor, European funds could help cover the costs of reconstruction. Specifically, the Regional Operational Program Central Bohemia (ROP) plans to allocate 100 million crowns for public infrastructure and tourism services and another 150 million for urban development in the first half of 2010.