Pardubice is preparing a extensive reconstruction of the historic town hall

Pardubice - Pardubice are preparing a large-scale reconstruction of the historic town hall in Pernštýn Square. Mycological research has shown that the ceilings of the neo-Renaissance building were damaged by wood-rotting fungi. This was not halted even by the treatment of the wooden structures during the renovation in the 1990s. Iveta Koubková from the press department of the municipality informed ČTK about this.

"In 2015, a mycological survey was conducted in some areas. It revealed various, in some places significant levels of infestation of the wooden structures by wood-destroying fungi. Therefore, we can no longer delay the reconstruction of the building," said Deputy Mayor Helena Dvořáčková (ANO).

The city currently has a completed project for the reconstruction and is waiting for the issuance of a building permit. The funding for the reconstruction must be approved by the council. The city management would like to carry out the reconstruction this year and next year.

In the first phase, the city plans to reconstruct the front section of the town hall, which is expected to cost around 36 million crowns, followed by repairs of the remaining wings. The second phase will cost 26 million crowns.

The historic building is not only awaiting a complete inspection and remediation of the wooden ceilings and associated floor renovations, but also the replacement of windows, outdated electrical installations, and bathroom repairs.

"Given the extent of the work, intervention by restorers will also be necessary, who will finally restore the preserved mosaic floors and the stucco decoration in the corridors and the main staircase," the deputy mayor stated.

The neo-Renaissance town hall complex dates back to the end of the 19th century and was built on the site of three baroque houses. The town hall was designed by architect Jan Wejrych. The building's rear section is adorned with sgraffito depicting music and dance based on the work of Mikoláš Aleš, while the facade features medallions of Czech kings and allegories of virtues between the windows on the second floor.