The Opava city councillors have expressed their support for the construction of a new indoor swimming pool

Opava - The representatives of Opava today expressed their support for the construction of a new indoor swimming pool. The project, which was originally estimated to cost 400 million crowns excluding VAT, must now be cheaper by 50 million. In addition, a special committee will oversee its preparation. The representatives made this decision at today’s meeting.

The mayor of the city, Radim Křupala (ČSSD), had previously indicated that he would seek broader support in the council for a project that exceeds all previous investments in Opava. Today he gained that support, but had to concede. Some representatives were primarily concerned about the amount of the investment. They referred to similar and cheaper projects from the surrounding area.

Some even claimed that it was meant to be a monument that the current city leadership wants to leave behind. Křupala rejected this. "It is certainly not about any legacy," the mayor stated at the beginning of the meeting. Some representatives recommended postponing the item until the project documentation is ready. Others demanded the establishment of a committee to oversee the preparation. This resolution was adopted.

In the end, the mayor also responded to the voices that criticized the amount of the investment. He himself modified the proposal and set the maximum investment amount at 350 million crowns excluding VAT. However, the reduction in price may not be reflected in the construction itself. City officials believe that costs will decrease in the bidding for construction contractors. The city wants to start looking for a construction company in January.

The current pool is located almost in the center of the city, and some residents do not like its relocation to the outskirts. They are concerned about worsened accessibility. Others welcome that it will move from a busy route to a quieter area.

The new swimming pool has been discussed in the city for some time. A few years ago, the first study was created, which proposed that the facility should have two floors and water slides leading to the pool. The council has now commissioned the study to be revised to reduce costs. According to the current city plans, the facility should be one-story, with one swimming pool measuring 25 meters in length and with six lanes. The recreational pool, featuring water elements such as jets and a lazy river, is also expected to be of the same size. It should also include saunas, massage showers, and a buffet.

The new pool could potentially open to the public at the end of 2019. The current city pool will remain in operation until its opening. What will happen to it once it has served its purpose is still unknown. The possibility of using the facility for other sports venues is also being considered. A climbing wall or a gymnastics center could be created here, for example.