The demolition of the multipurpose sports hall in Frýdek-Místek has begun

Frýdek-Místek - The demolition of the multi-purpose sports hall in Frýdek-Místek has begun. A recreational and shopping center is set to be built in its place. The construction will be undertaken by the company Euro Mall FM. Jana Matějíková, a spokesperson for the city hall, told ČTK. The project has sparked a wave of discontent among some experts and residents of the city. They attempted to save the hall, which they consider a technical monument.

"The city was to clear the hall by the end of August. That has happened. The next steps are now up to the development company," the spokesperson stated.
    The intention to demolish the hall and construct a shopping center in its place was already approved by the city council in 2009. Some architects and a portion of the residents protested against it. However, city officials claim that renovating the old hall would cost more than building a new one. "The land under the multi-purpose sports hall will be sold by the city for 80 million crowns, as stated in the contracts for future contracts, which were signed in August 2009," Mayor Michal Pobucký (ČSSD) had previously stated.
    The city will keep equipment from the hall worth 36 million crowns and will use it in the new Polárka hall. It will be located northeast of the current hall. The construction was approved by the council this April, with costs expected to reach nearly 290 million crowns. The capacity of the new hall will be 2,500 spectators, whereas the old hall accommodated 6,500.
    The multi-purpose sports hall, which can also be seen from Lysá hora in the Beskydy mountains, was built around 1975. Local people helped construct it for free as part of the so-called Action Z. The city has owned the hall since 2004 when it acquired it at auction for ten million crowns. According to Matějíková, over 30 million crowns have been invested in its necessary renovations. The last major event in the hall was a concert by the legendary American punker Iggy Pop on June 22.