Hradec Králové - The University of Hradec Králové (UHK) is preparing renovations of buildings and other facilities for nearly half a billion crowns. Construction work is expected to commence within three years. Most of the funds will come from the state budget. University representatives informed journalists today. This summer, the university aims to spend 2.5 million crowns to restore relaxation areas for students in the Na Soutoku campus. Next year, it plans to begin the main part of the renovations of the university dormitory on Palachova Street, where UHK offers accommodation to students. There will also be renovations of two buildings on Svobody Square, where the Faculty of Education and the Faculty of Philosophy are located.

"The University of Hradec Králové anticipates spending approximately 460 to 480 million crowns over a five-year period on the renovation of properties owned by the university. Specifically, these are three projects, two of which are buildings on Svobody Square and the dormitory building," said Treasurer Ales Klicnar to ČTK.

The renovation of the dormitory on Palachova Street in the Moravian suburb will be divided into two phases. The first phase, which should begin in August 2020, includes the repair and insulation of the roof, renovation of balconies, staircases, partial renovation of installations, and at least in two entrances, a replacement of furniture. The total cost for this phase is 19.9 million crowns excluding VAT. The second phase will involve repairing the main entrance, including the reception, accommodation office, and building facilities for students' sports activities. This phase is expected to cost around ten million crowns excluding VAT. According to university representatives, the repair of the dormitories will have minimal impact on their operation.

In September 2020, the renovation of the interiors of the Faculty of Philosophy on Svobody Square should start with a budget of 194 million crowns including VAT. Both university buildings on Svobody Square received a new facade including insulation in 2015. The renovation of the neighboring Faculty of Education building, which is protected as a cultural monument, should begin a year later, in September 2021. The construction work in this case is expected to cost 250 million crowns including VAT. "Both buildings do not meet the standards for higher education," Klicnar said.

The renovation of the buildings on Svobody Square will impact the university's operations. "During the repairs, we will move classes to our not fully utilized building on Víta Nejedlého Street. Renovations of buildings should not take place simultaneously so that we can utilize the capacity of the facility," Klicnar told ČTK.

There are three buildings in the university campus at Na Soutoku: since 1997, the building of the Faculty of Education UHK, the Faculty of Informatics and Management UHK completed in 2008, and the building of the Faculty of Science opened in May 2017. The university intends to continue to develop in this location opposite the under-construction hospital in the future. However, further construction is hindered by a lack of funds and unresolved property relations.

The Hradec Králové University has over 6000 students. UHK was established in 2000 from the pedagogical college.