Renewal of the Brno Penitentiary for 500 million crowns has received a preliminary approval

Brno - The restoration of the historic complex of the Brno Káznice has received a non-final permit. The city submitted the application in February 2023. If the participants in the proceedings do not appeal within the statutory period, the magistrate will continue with further preparations. A final construction permit is also a condition for applying for a grant, said the city spokesman Filip Poňuchálek today. A creative center is to be established in the complex on Bratislavská Street, with estimated costs of 500 million crowns. Approximately half will come from the city budget. The other half is expected to be covered by funds from European sources.

"The building authority issued a joint permit, which is, however, non-final. Participants in the proceedings can file appeals within the statutory period. Therefore, at this moment, it is not possible to predict whether and when exactly the permit will acquire legal force," stated Poňuchálek. In the event that this occurs, the city will continue with further preparations, i.e., the preparation of the construction documentation. The application for the grant must then be approved by the city's council and representatives.

The Káznice was established on Cejl more than 250 years ago originally as an orphanage. The historic complex consists of buildings between Bratislavská, Cejl, and Soudní streets. The core is the original late Baroque building with two inner courtyards. The project includes the demolition of modern extensions and structures that are in a state of emergency, as well as further demolition related to the proposed layout modifications.

In the future, the creative center will serve theater practitioners, artists, musicians, and designers. It will offer rehearsal rooms, studios, and workshops. It will also include a so-called Place of Memory with an exhibition dedicated to the history of the site and the victims of totalitarian regimes who lost their lives in the premises. The project also includes a library and a café.