The construction of networks for the new district in Jičín will be delayed, and the sale of plots will be postponed as well

Jičín - The construction of networks and public infrastructure for the residential neighborhood at the former barracks area in Jičín will be delayed by three months. It is now expected to be completed by November 30. The sale of plots to builders will also be postponed to the first half of next year. Mayor Jan Malý (ANO) announced this to journalists today. The city hall originally believed that it could start selling this autumn. The networks in this attractive location near the center have been built by Jičín since March 2022. With a price of 274 million crowns, it represents the largest investment in the sixteen-thousand-strong city to date.

Approximately 200 housing units are expected to be created in the ten-hectare area near the Valdštejn Lipa alley. There will be 52 plots available for family houses or duplexes, and 12 residential buildings. A small square is planned to be located in the middle of the neighborhood, which will feature new greenery. The city is also expected to build a kindergarten in the area in the future.

The reason for the postponement of the completion date for the construction of the networks is, among other things, the necessary replacement of the water main in Argonská Street, which had not been anticipated. The construction of the sewage system in Sedličky has also experienced delays. Additionally, the change in the construction method for the sewage system on Skautská Street due to the protection of tree roots has caused delays. Moreover, builders had to lower the height of some roads to ensure proper drainage of rainwater. According to the city hall, the main construction work is nearly complete.

The addendum for the extension of the construction also addresses the increase in price due to inflation for the year 2024 for the works that have not yet been paid, amounting to 1.2 million crowns. The total price after the addendum is 274.48 million CZK.

The rules for selling the plots are expected to be discussed by the Jičín councilors at the end of June. According to the mayor, the city leadership will propose an auction. Other options include selling by sealed bids to the highest offer or selling according to a submitted plan. Before the council meeting, the city leadership wants to discuss the method of sale with the opposition.

The construction of the infrastructure is primarily funded by a loan of 180 million crowns. The city expects to recoup the money through the revenue from the sale of the land. The city will begin repaying the loan this September, with the last installment planned for 2037.

The extensive military complex was acquired by the city between 2000 and 2006. Most of the buildings in the area were demolished in 2012 and 2013. The spatial study and catalog of houses were developed by the Cuboid architects' office based on their victory in an architectural competition in 2014.

Originally, the barracks complex was to be redeveloped exclusively by private investors. However, neither of the two attempts to hand over the location to private entities was successful, and in 2011 the city decided to continue with the modifications and use of the site on its own.

Since October 2022, Jičín has been governed by a coalition formed by the victorious ANO movement, the Christian Democratic Association for Jičín, and the Choice for the City. In the 21-member council, the tripartite coalition holds the majority with 11 mandates. The opposition consists of Patriots and Athletes for Jičín, ODS with the support of STAN, the Jičín Democratic Club, and SPD.