The construction of a new indoor swimming pool in Opava can start next year

Opava - The construction of a new indoor swimming pool in Opava is expected to start next spring. The city is currently having project documentation prepared for the building permit, estimating the construction costs at 340 million Czech crowns. The project will include not only the swimming pool but also waterslides. The city mayor Radim Křupala (ČSSD) said this to journalists today. The current pool is nearing the end of its lifespan and is approaching a state of emergency, with the city not ruling out its demolition in a few years.

"The zoning process is currently being completed. We have already selected a contractor for the project documentation for the building permit. It should be issued by the end of the summer holidays. After that, we will have the final project drawn up for the actual construction," said the mayor. He added that the actual construction should begin in the first half of next year.

The estimated costs of around 340 million crowns are something the city hall hopes to reduce through a competition among construction companies. "Currently, the project includes the construction of waterslides. But that’s in the maximum version. It could end up being smaller. We want to keep the price," Křupala added.

The current pool is located almost in the city center, and some residents do not like its relocation to the outskirts. They are concerned about reduced accessibility. Others welcome the move, as it will be moved from a busy thoroughfare to a quieter location in Opava.

The new pool has been discussed in the city for some time. A few years ago, the first study proposed a two-story pool with waterslides. Now, the city council has had the study revised to reduce costs. According to the current plans, the building should be single-story, with one swimming pool of 25 meters in length and eight lanes. The recreational pool should be the same size, featuring water elements such as jets and a lazy river. The facility will also include saunas, massage showers, and a café.

The new pool could open to the public at the end of 2019. The current municipal pool will remain in operation until its opening. What will happen to it afterwards is still unknown, according to the mayor. "The pool basin itself has a lifespan of four years left. Its repair would cost 20 million crowns," said the mayor. The city does not want two similar facilities. Consequently, the demolition of the old pool and the utilization of the lucrative land in the city center in a different way is being considered.

City officials have also considered renovating the current pool and expanding it to include a recreational area. This project would cost 140 million crowns. "The renovation would be expensive, so we started talking about a completely new building," added the mayor's deputy Dalibor Halátek (Change for Opava) earlier.