Vyšší Brod in the Český Krumlov region is planning to transform the long-abandoned pulmonary hospital in Hrudkov into a new district featuring spa facilities, medical services, and housing. The town recently received the 18-hectare site, which includes interconnected pavilions and five apartment buildings, free of charge from the České Budějovice hospital. Local officials aim to fully redevelop the area within five years. According to Mayor Jindřich Hanzlíček, the town will restore the residential buildings using its own resources and available subsidies. An international architectural competition is planned to generate innovative ideas for the medical complex. Universities will also be invited to participate. Once a winning concept is selected, the city will seek investors to carry out the project. A joint-stock company will be created, with the city contributing the site and the investor providing funding. The basic investment is currently estimated at CZK 600 million, though the final figure will depend on the number of buildings that require demolition or renovation. A study and project plan will determine the full scope. Initial cleanup efforts, including the removal of overgrown vegetation, are set to begin shortly. Preparatory work on the apartment buildings will follow, with the city intending to allocate CZK 20 million of its own budget over the next two years. While the site currently has only one road, the town hopes to improve access by constructing sidewalks and additional routes. Revitalizing the area is also seen as a way to support local tourism and employment. Mayor Hanzlíček noted that Vyšší Brod currently has few job opportunities and often functions as a dormitory town for workers commuting to Austria. The Hrudkov hospital was originally developed in the early 1960s to serve employees working on the Lipno I and Lipno II hydroelectric projects. It opened in 1963 with a capacity of 264 beds and initially focused on treating respiratory illnesses, including asthma and tuberculosis. Over time, it shifted towards long-term care and gained a reputation for quality service, despite its remote location. The facility closed in 2005 when operations were moved to České Budějovice. Attempts by the South Bohemian Region to sell the property to private investors were unsuccessful. In June 2025, regional authorities approved the transfer of the property to the town of Vyšší Brod, enabling plans for its redevelopment to move forward. Source: CTK