The demolition of the main building of the Benešov barracks could begin in February

Benešov - Benešov is announcing a competition for a company that will demolish the main building of the former Táborské barracks. Work could begin in February and will last about six months. The estimated cost is 13 million crowns, local deputy mayor Roman Tichovský (ODS) told reporters today. The city wants to build an elementary school on the site of the original building.

Tichovský noted that it will not just be a matter of demolishing the building. "The materials must of course be sorted, recycled, and disposed of," he stated. Part of the recycled material will be used by the city to restore paths in the forests, and part could be purchased by the contractor. According to Tichovský, it is anticipated that about 150 tons of material will end up in the landfill, and the rest will be utilized. "Of course, the building must be removed including the basement areas, so we will go deep," said mayor Jaroslav Hlavnička (Volba pro Benešov).

The decision to demolish the main barrack building was made last October by the people in a referendum. 53.78 percent of eligible voters participated, and 65.95 percent voted for the demolition of the building. The city leadership was concerned that the demolition of the so-called big palace would become a contentious issue in Benešov. They pointed out that it is a landmark known from old postcards. Therefore, they allowed the people to vote on the proposal.

The city wants to build an elementary school on the site of the original building. When this will happen is not yet clear. The main barrack building is structurally sound, but its ceiling height and window sizes are not suitable for establishing classrooms. The design of the new school will emerge from an architectural competition. The capacity of the facility should take into account the expected gradual increase in the number of residents of Benešov and the surrounding municipalities.

According to demographic studies, the city's population is expected to rise to more than 20,000 by 2050 from the current 17,000, making the need for a new school very relevant. The anticipated population increase is related to planned construction in the areas of Kavčín, Sladovka-east, Za Nádražím II, and in the area of the Táborské barracks. According to the city hall, these projects alone could account for up to 6,200 residents, including approximately 900 school-aged children.

Residential construction has already begun in part of the Táborské barracks, which is regulated by a planning plan. The twenty-five-hectare area also anticipates civic amenities. In addition to the school, a kindergarten, a parking house, or sports facilities are also expected to be built in the brownfield.