Chrudim will build a kindergarten near the Medlešice castle using the design&build method

Chrudim – The city of Chrudim will start selecting a company to create a project for a new kindergarten near the Medlešice Castle. The company will also build the facility. The city council has set a firm deadline for the opening of the educational institution for September 2027. The investment will amount to 50 million Czech crowns. Councilor Aleš Nunvář (Pirates) told reporters today.

The kindergarten is currently located in the castle in the local part of Medlešice, but the premises are unsuitable for its operation. The new kindergarten will accommodate 56 children, which is double the current capacity.

The city is using the Design & Build method for the first time, where the contractor is responsible for both the design and construction work. "They must resolve all engineering activities, obtain the necessary permits. They must estimate the demolition of the buildings, the construction execution, the supply and installation of technical systems and the occupancy permit. They must resolve access roads and parking around the building," Nunvář said.

The city is announcing the competition based on an architectural study that proposes a two-story building. The city council could complete the contractor selection process by March, or later, if interested parties request additional details regarding the contract, Nunvář said.

"We have set deadlines for construction by July 30, 2027, August is for the interior completion, and the kindergarten should start operating in September. Design & Build is an untested approach for us; I am anxious about how it will work, but I believe we have it well thought out," said Nunvář.

The kindergarten is to have its own entrance and access road within the castle grounds, along with a delivery and parking area. The ground floor will include a playroom with a dining area, a resting area, washing facilities, and a children's changing room. It will also feature a serving area or kitchenette, storage rooms, a staff room, a laundry room, a technical room, staff facilities, and toilets. Another classroom, with the same layout as the ground floor, is designed for the second above-ground floor.

The city is expected to spend around 50 million Czech crowns on the kindergarten. It will be built on the site of agricultural buildings that will be demolished. In the future, Chrudim plans to renovate the Baroque castle in Medlešice. The areas vacated by the kindergarten could serve, for example, for recreational activities of local residents and cultural events.

"We definitely will not demolish the castle; we want to tear down the agricultural buildings behind the castle. They are in a semi-ruined state and disarray; the removal of these buildings will benefit the entire castle garden and castle area, resulting in a beautiful kindergarten including a stone or gravel path and an outdoor play area," said Mayor František Pilný (ANO).