Prague’s “U Hybernů” building sold for half a billion CZK
The historic “U Hybernů” building near Prague’s Powder Tower has been sold in an electronic auction for 447 million Czech crowns. According to the Office for Government Representation in Property Affairs (ÚZSVM), which organized the sale, it was the second most lucrative property transaction in the office’s history.
The buyer was not officially named by the authorities. But well informed news site Seznam.cz, says it is most probably Slovak billionaire Milan Fiľo. His company, Eco-Investment, has leased the building for years and operates the Hybernia musical theatre there.
Only two bidders registered, and just one made an offer—two hours before the auction closed. Michaela Tesařová is the spokesperson for the Office for Government Representation in Property Affairs:
“Two bidders entered the electronic auction and paid the required deposit of 15 million Czech crowns. During the electronic auction, which the public could follow online on the website nabidkamajetku.gov.cz, one bid of 447 million Czech crowns was placed.”
“The winner of the electronic auction was a legal entity from Prague. We are very happy that we were able to find a definitive owner for this unique property in the first round of the electronic auction.”
And thus, a transaction of major significance is close to concluding:
“The ‘U Hybernů’ building is the second most successful property sale in the history of our office. I would like to mention that in 2015 the state has received the highest amount of 790 million Czech crowns from the sale of the property in Prague. The property is located next to the ‘U Hybernů’ building.”
The building, a designated cultural monument, is located in a protected heritage zone.
“Our office doesn't impose any conditions on future owners. The ‘U Hybernů’ building is a cultural monument located in the protected heritage area and it's necessary to respect the regulations, so for example the heritage law. Each building is unique and in a different technical condition. Our office sells the property in transparent electronic auctions and it is always up to potential bidders to decide if and when to bid.”
Originally a Baroque church of the Irish Franciscans, the building was later used as a customs office, an exhibition hall, and finally renovated into a modern theatre space in 2006. The current lease runs until 2055.
