Residents of the Stone Colony in Brno will receive a community center for cultural events

Brno – Residents of Brno's Kamenná colony will gain a place for meetings and organizing events. A community center will be established in the former cultural house. Construction modifications of the building, which is managed by the Brno-střed municipality, began at the start of the summer holidays. The building is now awaiting painting, boiler replacement, and furniture installation. The women's choir Šlajerky from Kamenka will find its space in the renovated premises, said the spokesperson for the municipality, Michal Šťastný, in a press release today.

The Kamenná colony was established as a settlement in a depleted sandstone quarry on a steep slope above the Svratka River in 1925. It was originally inhabited by poor workers, which was reflected in the small houses built closely together. Similar colonies also arose in other cities in the Czech Republic, but Kamenná colony is the only one that has survived to this day.

"The residents of Kamenka have long lacked a cultural center where they could hold exhibitions, theater, and many other neighborhood gatherings. I am glad that we managed to reach an agreement with the former tenant and free up a space that will now serve as a civic club," said Martin Brym, a councilman of the Brno-střed municipality (TOP 09).

The original building numbered 35 was in poor technical condition after World War II. The building came under the management of the national committee and was subsequently demolished. A new structure, which served as a cultural house, was built with the help of local residents. Later, it housed the Union of Czech Women. Events such as gatherings, balls, and theatrical and film performances took place there. For the last several years, the building was utilized by the non-profit organization Filia.

The work costing nearly 200,000 crowns, according to the mayor of the municipality Vojtěch Mencl (ODS), will last until September. "We are planning a grand opening in the fall with the locals who are also participating in the renovations," stated the mayor.

The necessary facilities, including a social hall, will be available for the Šlajerky choir from Kamenka, which has been operating since 2020. "Until now, we had to rehearse only in households with the choir, which already has fifteen permanent members. We are therefore happy that the tradition is being revived, and Kamenka will have its community center back," said Jarmila Slaninová from the choir.