The transfer of the Czech pavilion from the Expo to H. Králové could cost up to 278 million CZK

Hradec Králové – The costs of acquiring and relocating the Czech pavilion from this year's World Expo in Japan to Hradec Králové could amount to 206 to 278 million crowns. This was stated by Ondřej Soška, the commissioner for Czech participation at the Expo, to the representatives of Hradec Králové. The city has expressed interest in the pavilion. Mayor Pavlína Springerová described acquiring the pavilion as a unique opportunity to strengthen the cultural identity of the city and develop tourism. The opposition is dissatisfied with the costs associated with the project.

The city invited Soška to present the pavilion, its possible uses, and costs to the representatives. No decision regarding the potential acquisition of the pavilion was made by the representatives today. Soška, in a video link from Osaka, Japan, described the pavilion as a unique structure that could be an architectural gem for Hradec Králové. "A unique opportunity is opening up to bring a piece of a successful global story to Hradec Králové," Soška said.

According to him, the wooden and glass pavilion with a usable area of 2,300 m² could host concerts, conferences, or festivals. The building itself is expected to attract tourists from both the Czech Republic and abroad, as well as Japanese companies. It could be located in Šimkovy sady near the historical center of the city. It would arrive in the Czech Republic disassembled in 120 containers.

Most representatives agreed in the debate that the pavilion is an exceptional building. Coalition representatives expressed support for acquiring the pavilion. According to the Deputy Mayor for Culture, Ilona Dvořáková (independent), the pavilion would increase the city's visibility worldwide. It emerged from the discussions that the city hall would continue to explore options for acquiring the pavilion, including project financing. Springerová stated that the city could try to obtain a grant from the European ITI program.

The opposition pointed to the financial demands of acquiring the pavilion. "We don’t know how much it will cost and how to finance it. The use of the pavilion is a big question, it seems like a megalomaniac idea to me. I don’t believe that crowds of tourists will come to Hradec because of this," said Denis Doksanský, the vice-chairman of the opposition representative club of the ANO movement. He pointed out that Hradec Králové does not have surplus funds and needs to take loans for new investments.

According to Soška, the investment costs would mainly consist of the remaining value of the pavilion in the range of 100 to 150 million crowns, and additionally, 80 to 100 million crowns for construction costs. For example, the pavilion will need heating. The project and permits would cost up to eight million crowns, and a reserve of 20 million crowns should be allocated. The operation of the pavilion could be profitable, according to Soška, with the main revenues coming from events rentals and restaurant rental. The largest part of costs would be energy expenses.