Turnov is considering buying the city's dominant feature from Česká spořitelna

Turnov (Semilsko) - Česká spořitelna is offering for sale its building on the square of Český ráj in Turnov, which externally looks like a town hall. The price of the neo-Renaissance monument from the early 20th century is estimated at 30 million crowns. The city is considering purchasing the most prestigious building in Turnov. An extraordinary municipal council meeting will convene on Monday, December 8, said the city's mayor Tomáš Hocke (Independent Bloc).
    "If we decide to buy the building, we must submit the offer by December 12 at the latest," said the mayor. According to him, it is not only an architectural gem of the city; the building with frescoed facade decoration is also linked to the city's development. Built on the site of the former inn U Zlatého orla, it was constructed by the then municipal savings bank, which used part of its profits for the city's prosperity. "It is responsible, for example, for the construction of the theater," Hocke stated. The savings bank's building was designed by architect Jan Heindl, known as the author of several Czech town halls.
    According to the mayor, the city would have use for the three-story building. It could relocate officials currently based outside the city hall. They are currently in four other buildings. "We can talk about the Department of Transport, the Department of Education, Culture and Sports, the Trade Office, the Department of Social Affairs, the Administrative Department, the Department of Offenses, the City Police, and the Tourist Information Center," Hocke listed. However, according to him, a disadvantage of the building on the main square in Turnov is the complicated access for people with disabilities and the small number of parking spaces. Additionally, the city would need to take out a loan for a potential purchase.
    The building, which consists of two interlinked structures and a courtyard in the inner block, is being offered by Česká spořitelna through the company KnightFrank. No price has been set; the bank will evaluate incoming offers by mid-January. However, the bank intends to keep a branch in the building for at least a few years, occupying part of one floor. A condition for the sale is that the new owner must sign a lease agreement with the bank for seven years with an option for an additional six years. The Employment Office is also a tenant in the building. The rents can cover almost all costs associated with operation, which amount to around two million crowns. The bank and the Employment Office occupy about half of the more than 2400 m² of leasable space.