The reconstruction of the extension of the Žamberk Grammar School will cost 91.6 million crowns including VAT

Žamberk – The total reconstruction of the extension of the Gymnázium Žamberk will cost the Pardubice Region 91.6 million crowns including VAT. The building dates from the turn of the 1970s and 1980s and needs a complete overhaul. The school will thus gain modern facilities for teaching, sports, and the public, as well as an environment that meets current educational and operational requirements. Physical education, for which the building is largely used, will take place at other locations in the city during the repairs, said the director of the gymnasium, Kamil Koblížek.

Although the extension underwent partial repairs in 2004, it is no longer in the best technical condition and is also quite energy-intensive. Therefore, the reconstruction will include insulation and window replacement, as well as changes to the layout, locker rooms, and sports facilities.

"With regard to maximum energy savings, the walls, roof, floors will be insulated, windows and glass blocks will be replaced, as well as aging plastic windows with new ones that have significantly better properties. We will also address the change of heating, including controlled ventilation with heat recovery and a new heat source in conjunction with the ongoing energy saving project EPC," said the deputy governor for investments Dušan Salfický (ANO).

Basically, only the outer walls, columns, and ceilings of the extension will remain, everything else will be demolished. "Among other things, rest zones will be created, we will also address a large gymnasium, and a newly created multifunctional hall will expand the possibilities for physical education and extracurricular activities," said councilor for education Josef Kozel (3PK). The project will also include the modernization and expansion of sports facilities.

The adjustments are expected to start at the end of September and finish at the beginning of 2028. European funds could assist the region in financing the construction. From the Operational Program Environment 21+, they aim to obtain up to 25 million crowns.

Starting in September, the gymnasium will only hold classes in the historic building; students who usually attend classes in the extension will use a different entrance and have their home classroom. Physical education will mainly take place outdoors in the fall and spring months. "The school will use the athletics stadium in Žamberk and other suitable public sports facilities, such as ice skating at the winter stadium. Students from lower grades will also have physical education in the local Sokolovna," Koblížek stated.