Abandoned sites, dilapidated buildings, and forgotten corners of cities are becoming places that will soon be full of life again. We have selected five brownfield projects that are currently undergoing revitalization and are expected to be completed in the coming months. The implementation of all these projects contributes to the fulfillment of the objectives of Component 2.8 Revitalization of Areas with Old Building Stock, which is part of the National Recovery Plan financed by the European Union. Whether it is the preservation of historical monuments or the construction of modern multifunctional centers, these projects are worth our attention.

“Brownfields represent enormous unused potential for Czech cities and municipalities. Their transformation often determines whether community life, business, and new services will prosper in a given location. We already have a number of examples of good practice in the Czech Republic, which is why we have long supported their revitalization and intend to continue doing so,” said former Minister of Industry and Trade Lukáš Vlček.

Brownfield site in the center of Hrotovice is being transformed into a functional public space

In Hrotovice in the Vysočina region, a modern multifunctional building is currently being constructed on the site of a former gymnasium and ice rink, which will become a new center of public life. The building is connected to a previously constructed multifunctional playground and will offer a hall with a stage, facilities for cultural events, as well as offices and clubrooms, which the municipality will rent out. The new community center is aimed not only at associations and local communities, but also at small businesses and other service providers. The renovation also includes environmental measures such as photovoltaics, heat recovery, and rainwater harvesting. The project, with a budget of over 150 million CZK crowns, received a subsidy of 70 million CZK from the Ministry of Industry and Trade program. Its completion is planned for the end of this year.

A historic inn in Malý Újezd is being converted into a passive house for public use and residential purposes.

In September, residents of Malý Újezd in the Central Bohemian Region will also be able to enjoy a new multifunctional building. On the site of a former inn and later an unsuccessful furniture store, a building is being constructed to a community hall, bistro, club rooms, a small shop, and two municipal apartments. The project combines public functions with elements of community living and complements them with environmentally friendly solutions – a green roof, photovoltaics, heat recovery, and the use of rainwater for flushing and watering municipal greenery. In this case, as well, the municipality received a subsidy of 22 million CZK from the Ministry of Industry and Trade for the revitalization of the brownfield site.

A modern house for everyday needs is being built on a brownfield site in Šlapanice

The new multifunctional building in Šlapanice near Brno, which is also scheduled for completion this fall, is also focusing on energy-efficient solutions. A modern building that will combine public and commercial use is currently being constructed on the site of the original complex of unsuitable buildings on Čechova Street. It will include businesses such as a flower shop, bookstore, veterinary and dental offices, and cosmetic services, as well as spaces for the public. A large part of the new building already has tenants, so the municipality does not have to worry that the building will remain unused after completion or that it will take a long time to find a use for it. The building, designed to low-energy standards, will be equipped with ground source heat pumps, a heat recovery system, photovoltaics, and a green roof. The project has become one of the examples of the successful use of the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s subsidy program, which has brought the city more than CZK 26 million for the reconstruction.

“For towns and cities, brownfield revitalization is often the only way to effectively develop the community without taking up new land. Investing in abandoned buildings is also more economically advantageous than greenfield construction, whether due to the available infrastructure or the subsidies offered by the state,” says Petr Očko, Senior Director of the Digitalization and Innovation Section at the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

The east wing of Buštěhrad Castle will become a school for 120 children

Another project worth noting is the renovation of the east wing of the castle in Buštěhrad, Central Bohemia. This follows on from earlier stages of the gradual restoration of this listed building complex. A private elementary school for 120 pupils is being constructed in the part of the building that has not yet been used. The project combines respect for the historical value of the building with modern technical solutions. For example, it uses a special PURA material for diffusion-open insulation, cascade heat pumps, and water retention and reuse systems. The Ministry of Industry and Trade is contributing 40 million CZK to the renovation from its brownfield support program. The completion of the renovation will bring the entire castle complex one step closer to full utilization. The renovated part already serves as the seat of the municipal office and library.

The dilapidated brewery in Jindřichův Hradec will be given a new lease of life

One of the most extensive brownfield regeneration projects currently in progress is the restoration of the former Pánů zlaté růže brewery in the historic center of Jindřichův Hradec. The 16th-century building, which is a national cultural monument, had been falling into disrepair for a long time, especially after a fire that struck the western part of the Renaissance building in 2011. The path to its rescue was opened by a project called A New Era for the Páni zlaté růže Brewery, which combines programs for the revitalization of brownfields for both commercial and non-commercial use. The former brewery will be transformed into a multicultural center with a gallery, theater hall, and veterans’ museum, as well as new facilities for beer production and restaurants. The total investment costs amount to almost 500 million CZK. The financing is shared by the State Investment Support Fund of the Ministry of Regional Development, which contributed 164 million CZK, and the Ministry of Industry and Trade, which provided 80 million CZK for the project from the brownfield support program. The reconstruction is in full swing and is scheduled for completion in 2026.

Source: CzechInvest

The article was published in the magazine Pro Města a obce (For Cities and Municipalities). September 2025. Download here.