The hall for track cyclists and athletes in Brno should cost around 1.5 billion CZK

Brno - A new hall for track cyclists and athletes in Brno is expected to cost approximately 1.5 billion crowns including tax, according to the investment plan approved by the city council on Wednesday. Previously, the city estimated costs at 1.1 billion crowns excluding tax. The investment plan also specifies some parameters and provides a clearer picture of the appearance of the sports facility. According to the councilor for sports, Tomáš Aberl (TOP 09), it is based on the requirements of track cyclists and athletes. Cyclists from the TJ Favorit club are expected to find new facilities in the hall. However, they are not yet aware of the conditions for its use, said club chairman Pavel Havránek to the Czech News Agency today.

At the beginning of the year, the city announced the results of the architectural competition for the future design of a multipurpose hall that will be built on the Ponavka. Preparations are now continuing. "It is essential that the design of the hall is based on the requirements of both top clubs, namely track cyclists and also athletes," Aberl stated in a press release. After the approval of the investment plan, the design and subsequent project documentation can be finalized. Only after the necessary documentation has been processed will the city look for a contractor.

The hall will consist of two above-ground and one underground floor. The main sports area will be at ground level. Offices for the facility manager and additional amenities will be located in the northern part of the building. The southern part of the hall will have spaces for athletes' recovery and accommodation needs. "The interior of the underground floor will only be used by athletes. The main space will be a central training hall, while the second part of the underground is designated for parking. Spectators will find their seats on the second floor, with a capacity set at 1211 spectators," Aberl added.

Before starting project work, it will be necessary to conduct a hydrogeological survey. The results will serve to design the foundation of the building. The updated cost is around 1.5 billion crowns. The city will attempt to obtain a grant from the National Sports Agency. If approved by the agency, the hall will be part of the newly established National Sports Center Brno.

The hall is expected to become the new home of the TJ Favorit club, which currently operates in its velodrome near the exhibition center. However, the city wants to buy the area and build a football stadium in its place in the future. Cyclists want to know the conditions under which they will operate in the new hall, where they would be renting, before the sale takes place. The valuation of the property is also crucial.

"We had negotiations with the city, but we got stuck on financial compensation. We have some ideas, but we are waiting for the appraisal of Favorit's property, which is to be completed by the end of May. Above all, we are waiting for the conditions of use, which we do not yet know," said Havránek.

Among cyclists, there is no consensus on the future development. Some wish for new facilities, especially as suitable capacities for Czech cycling are lacking. Others emphasize that the velodrome continues to host international competitions. For them, an argument is that the velodrome is owned property. The decision on the sale will ultimately be made by a conference, where two-thirds of delegates must agree. It is not yet clear when it will be held.