Czech municipalities receive multi‑million regional grants as Budějovice cultural house reconstruction faces criticism

The regional government allocated a record 51 million crowns to projects in the Vítkovsko and Osoblažsko areas, funding the renovation of a central‑city building in Budišov nad Budišovkou and other local infrastructure such as a skatepark, ski slope and community facilities. The funds are part of a program aimed at revitalising disadvantaged rural zones and preventing depopulation.

In České Budějovice, the cultural house KD Slavie was rebuilt at a cost exceeding one billion crowns. Shortly after its reopening, a Metrostav representative criticised the project, saying the design fails to meet functional requirements, lacks adequate space for restaurants, storage and backstage facilities, and makes the venue unsuitable for its intended cultural uses. City officials have ordered an expert assessment and are in dispute with the construction consortium over the alleged shortcomings and the 400 million‑crown cost overrun.