00838 (XL)

Předklášteří lies in a valley at the confluence of the Svratka and Loučka rivers about 30 km northwest of Brno. Across the river, it borders with Tišnov, of which it was a part until 1990. Today it has about 1,400 inhabitants. The area of the former paper mill is located in the southeastern part of the municipality in the area defined by the river, the railway and the road.

The paper mill was founded by the Porta Coeli monastery before 1720 and belonged under it until its dissolution under Joseph II in 1782. Subsequently, the mill’s ownership changed many times. After a decline in fortunes at the beginning of the 19th century, it was bought by Jan Žižka in 1828 and prospered for many years. In 1892 and 1912, the mill burned down, but it was rebuilt each time, expanded and equipped with newer machines. It was owned by the Žižka family until it was nationalised in 1948. Between 1948 and 2009, it was managed by Brněnské papírny s.p. Since 1991, due to a failed restitution, the site has fallen into disrepair.

Now the site has been zoned for a new neighbourhood with a maximum of 900 inhabitants. The result is a plan for a residential complex consisting of low-rise residential blocks with basement car parks, complemented by above-standard public amenities (a kindergarten, a cultural and community centre, and a multi-purpose building) and generous public spaces.