Major redevelopment underway at former Bekon textile factory site in Hrádek nad Nisou

Hrádek nad Nisou, located in the Liberec region, is set to undergo a significant transformation with the construction of three new buildings on the site of the former Bekon textile factory. Valued at over half a billion crowns, the redevelopment is expected to be completed within two years, according to the Bekon Association, which includes EMH stavební CZ and Auböck, announced Eva Malá, a spokesperson for the association.

The city has ambitious plans for the 20-hectare site it acquired in 2015 for six million crowns. A sports complex and city archive are expected to be completed by the end of next year, while a polyclinic is scheduled for completion in 2026. The Bekon factory, which once employed hundreds in thread production, ceased operations more than two decades ago. Since then, the decaying complex has been a source of concern for locals. Only a factory chimney, an administrative building, and a small part of the original structure remain standing. According to designer Vojtěch Feigl from Project Studio David, these remnants hold significant architectural value. “We left it standing because it’s the last example of what the factory buildings once looked like,” Feigl said.

The redevelopment has encountered delays due to extended demolition work. “We faced some challenges during demolition, as expected,” said Mayor Pavel Farský, a member of the political group Hrádek Needs Changes! In June, workers discovered underground spaces, which required removal, and additional work was needed to stabilize a slope left behind after the demolition of Building C.

The project, costing nearly 530 million CZK, will be partially funded through European sources. The city has secured almost 304 million CZK from the Operational Fund Environment and the State Investment Support Fund. “We also received 56.8 million CZK from the Integrated Regional Operational Programme (IROP) for the revitalization of public spaces, a park, and a habitat,” said Jana Matušková, head of the city’s subsidy department.

This revitalization effort marks the largest investment in the modern history of Hrádek nad Nisou, a town with a population of 8,000. While the immediate focus is on public infrastructure, plans for future residential development on the site remain under discussion. “We are still deciding whether the city or a private developer will lead the construction and how it will be financed,” Mayor Farský added.

The redevelopment of the Bekon site is set to breathe new life into the area, preserving its historic value while creating modern facilities for the city’s residents.

Source: CTK
Photo: Městský úřad, Hrádek nad Nisou