Instead of the former sugar factory, approximately 80 plots will be created in the Louny region

Lenešice - A popular location for filmmakers, the ruins of the former sugar factory in Lenešice in the Louny region will be demolished, and family houses are set to be built in its place. Mayor Leoš Procházka (BEZPP) hopes to start no later than the end of next year. He stated this to ČTK.

"It’s the only area where the municipality can expand," said the mayor. He added that one side of the municipality is a flood zone, while the main road restricts potential new home construction on the other side. On approximately eight hectares, there will be 80 family homes, about 45 of which will be built by a private investor, with the remainder by the municipality, which acquired part of the site in an auction in 2012.

According to the mayor, the costs for providing utilities and building access roads will be in the millions of crowns. Procházka mentioned that the municipality will likely take out a loan for the construction project, which will be partially covered by the subsequent sale of homes. In addition to new housing, an amphitheater or park could emerge in place of the sugar factory. "We have more space, but less can be built there due to the previous cellars," Procházka said.

About 1500 residents live in the municipality, with Louny, Most, and Lovosice nearby. "People come to ask; they would be interested in new housing," Procházka said, adding that the houses will be mainly aimed at young families.

The sugar factory has appeared in several films, commercials, and series. It is currently rented by a German film production, but Hollywood has also filmed there. "I have been here for five years, and during that time, there have been at least six or seven productions; a series is being filmed here now, and they will shoot the second season," the mayor stated. Due to a confidentiality agreement, Procházka cannot disclose the amount for which filmmakers rent the sugar factory. According to him, it is a favorable deal that will cover part of the costs for building the residential zone. The municipality will likely not rent the premises to any further productions.

The sugar factory was built in 1880 and ceased operations in the 1990s. Later, it was rented by a scrap metal company, which vacated the premises. Homeless individuals moved into the buildings, and the municipality was able to evict them only with police assistance. Until 2013, the site boasted the second tallest chimney of its kind in the country, which had to be demolished for safety reasons. According to Procházka, the most well-preserved building of the sugar factory will not be demolished, and a kindergarten will most likely be established there.