Czech Lípa will renovate the ice rink to also serve for concerts

Česká Lípa - The Českolipská town hall is investing three million crowns to improve the spatial acoustics of the ice stadium. The facility will also be usable for concerts and social events. Special noise absorbers will ensure a reduction in reverberation time, optimal conditions for speech and music listening. At the same time, they will contribute to reducing overall internal noise from the hall's own operations, said the city's spokeswoman Kateřina Amrichová to ČTK today.
    "Acoustic panels will be hung above the ice surface on a cable structure attached between the arched roof trusses," said the spokesperson. An acoustic study recommended using 1,500 pieces of lightweight rectangular panels made of melamine foam encased in PVC foil. The investment will be funded by the city from its budget for this year, going towards a separate construction project, independent of the renovation of the sports complex, which is nearing completion.
    The extensive renovation of the sports complex in Česká Lípa lasted for two years. The sports facilities are almost finished, and workers are currently installing the interiors. The security, fire, and cooling systems still need to be operational, and the water treatment and filtration in the pool need to be tested. The approval of the entire sports facility is planned for mid-May, with the facilities opening on June 1.
    The original complex dates back to the 1980s and no longer met modern requirements. The renovation included not only the ice stadium but also the swimming pool, to which slides, whirlpools, and wading pools were added, as well as a relaxation center with fitness, sauna, solarium, and massages. The changing rooms and showers have also been improved.
    With the opening to the public, work at the complex is unlikely to end. Hockey players need more facilities. "We are preparing a project for an extension, but its construction will not affect the operation and use of the complex," added mayor Hana Moudrá. The new building with changing rooms and relaxation facilities will cost approximately 20 million crowns, and the town hall aims to secure a subsidy.
    The renovation of the complex is the largest investment project in the forty-thousand-inhabitant town, with construction costs amounting to nearly 300 million crowns. The town hall invested 53 million crowns from its own funds in the renovation, with an additional 30 million obtained in subsidies from the region and the state budget. The city aimed to secure funding for the renovation from European funds but was unsuccessful. The remaining costs will be covered by a loan.