The construction of the sports hall in Humpolec is so far the largest municipal investment

Humpolec - The construction of the sports hall in Humpolec in the Pelhřimov district is to date the city's largest investment, costing 111 million crowns excluding tax. It will be completed at the end of 2026, replacing the original hall, which was no longer possible to modernize, said the mayor of the city with more than eleven thousand residents, Petr Machek (HumpolecGo!), today during the laying of its foundation stone.

"The costs are the largest that the city of Humpolec has ever experienced. The construction is of course a significant burden. However, it is necessary to invest in it considering that it is used by a large number of athletes and has a long tradition in the city," Machek told ČTK.

The city acquired the hall several years ago from the local organization TJ Jiskra together with the Sokol building. The Sokol building dates back to 1928, and in 1982, a hall with a steel supporting structure was added to it.

The original intention of the city was to renovate the hall, which is used by a sports organization with more than 800 members, after more than 40 years. "It fell into a state of disrepair and could no longer be operated. There was even a risk of its closure for technical reasons. It was a steel frame skeleton that was simply clad. We expected to only renovate it, slightly expand it, and connect it operationally. Only when inspections were added during the design work did it become clear that the renovation would not be meaningful," said architect Rostislav Mihulka, the author of the new hall project, to ČTK.

The hall is primarily intended for ball sports. Halls for other athletes could be created in subsequent phases of the plans for the development of the entire sports complex, which includes the Sokol building as well as an athletic oval. "These are various conditioning rooms, dance halls, and there is also an expansion of the Sokol hall with another exercise room," Mihulka said regarding the adjustment plans.

The city will partially finance the construction from a regional grant, which amounts to 25 million crowns. It has repeatedly applied for funding from the National Sports Agency, which has not yet been successful.

The budget of Humpolec approved for this year is nearly 670 million crowns.