Minister Kulhánek visits Hradec Králové region, discusses affordable housing and EU-funded projects

Minister for Regional Development Petr Kulhánek has kicked off his regional visits for 2025, with his first stop in the Hradec Králové Region. During the visit, he met with Governor Petr Kole and other regional representatives to discuss affordable housing, spatial planning, and EU-funded projects that are driving local development.

Kulhánek emphasized the importance of these regional visits in addressing local challenges and ensuring efficient allocation of European and national funds. “These trips allow us to see first-hand how our programs are impacting communities. The Hradec Králové Region is a great example of how EU and state subsidies can support key areas such as education, healthcare, and housing,” he said.

At the Regional Authority in Hradec Králové, discussions focused on building regulations, digitization, and spatial planning, with particular attention on the need for reforming zoning laws. “We need to strike a balance between efficient planning and streamlined construction processes. Today, planning regulations can slow down much-needed development, and we are working on solutions to improve this system,” Kulhánek stated. He also highlighted the urgent need to stabilize staffing at municipal building offices to ensure smoother permit processing.

As part of his itinerary, Kulhánek visited the municipality of Bolehošť, where a modular kindergarten expansion project was successfully completed with funding from the Integrated Regional Operational Programme (IROP). “Bolehošť experienced a baby boom and needed to quickly expand its kindergarten. Thanks to a 90% EU subsidy, amounting to nearly CZK 15 million, the new facility has been serving local children since last autumn,” the minister noted.

The visit also highlighted ongoing efforts to increase the availability of rental housing, particularly in Kostelec nad Orlicí, where 33 new rental apartments will be created by converting a former youth home. Kulhánek praised the proactive approach of local governments in addressing the housing crisis. “Municipalities have not invested in public housing for decades, and projects like the one in Kostelec set a strong example of how to reverse this trend. These apartments will also serve key professions like police officers, where shortages are affecting local services,” he explained.

The reconstruction in Kostelec nad Orlicí is expected to be completed by 2026, supported by the Affordable Rental Housing Program under the State Investment Support Fund (SFPI). In the Hradec Králové Region alone, SFPI has received 11 applications worth CZK 363 million, which will contribute to the construction of 96 rental apartments.

The minister concluded his visit in Lázně Bělohrad, where a major healthcare modernization project has been completed at the Centre for Comprehensive Rehabilitation. With CZK 35 million in EU funding from IROP, the center has been upgraded to provide advanced care for patients with severe cognitive and motor disabilities.

Kulhánek reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to supporting infrastructure improvements through targeted EU and state funding, ensuring that local governments have the resources needed to enhance public services and address critical housing needs.

Source: CTK