Plzeň will have the first of the two large halls of the DEPO2015 center repaired by spring

Plzeň – Plzeň will have the first of two large halls of the cultural and creative center DEPO2015 completely reconstructed by spring 2026. The renovation of the second hall will begin next year. The costs for the restoration of both halls are expected to be up to 500 million CZK. The roof and facades of the first so-called trolleybus hall will be finished by the end of September, and the interior renovations will be completed in the spring of next year. The reconstruction of the first hall, which includes exhibition spaces, creative workshops, and a café, will cost at most a quarter of a billion crowns, said Deputy Mayor Pavel Bosák (Pirates) to ČTK today. Construction is taking place while the center is in operation.

"The reconstruction of the trolleybus hall started last year and is expected to be handed over by the end of September. At the same time, we are taking over the project documentation prepared by DEPO for the interior renovation, the costs of which we do not yet know," he said. The city will announce a competition in October for the interior, where a so-called black box for interactive exhibitions will be created, and in the former fitness center, studios for artists. The central exhibition space and café will remain in their places.

"In a year, we should have the entire building completely reconstructed and we will move to the bus hall, where we want to start again with the roof," said the deputy. At today's meeting, the first proposals for the outdoor courtyard of DEPO2015 and possible extensions in the area where flower beds and artist installations currently exist were presented. "There should be four-story workshops and studios there, which are still being designed," he said. They will replace the garages in the lower part towards the river, where a residential neighborhood will be created. The large parking lot land was purchased years ago by the local developer BC Real. "We are discussing with them what can be there. At the same time, we are preparing a form of cooperation on roads, connections, and networks," he stated.

In the outdoor courtyard between both halls, concerts and gastronomic festivals will also take place in the coming years. The reconstruction of the second hall is likely to be cheaper since it has a cohesive area and not much interior adjustment will be needed. "Solid bathrooms and offices for organizing concerts and fairs need to be built there," he noted. The most challenging part will be the extensive roof.

The reconstruction of both halls, which is expected to last about 2.5 years, could be estimated to fit within a half billion CZK. After that, the access Preslova Street will also need to be reconstructed.