Brno approved the land exchange for the construction of an athletics hall in the campus

Brno - Today, the Brno representatives approved a land swap between the city and a private owner, from whom Brno will acquire land for the construction of an athletics hall in the university campus. They did so despite the opposition's criticisms, which supports the construction of the hall but believes the exchange is not advantageous for the city. The opposition also questioned one of the assessments. The hall, costing around 400 million crowns and with a capacity of 2000 spectators, could be completed within two years. It is intended to provide facilities for athletes who currently lack a hall.

Thirty-three representatives voted in favor of the swap, eight were against, and five abstained. The approval followed a lengthy debate. Opposition representatives Martin Říha (KSČM) and Oliver Pospíšil (ČSSD) stated that they do not oppose the hall itself and support its construction, but they are concerned that the city is making an unfavorable land exchange. Brno will acquire land in the campus for 80 million crowns and give land worth 85 million crowns, thus receiving a five million crown compensation.

Among the city-owned properties is, for example, a residential building on Leitnerova street, an industrial complex between Staňkova and Dělostřelecká streets, as well as properties under the Albert shopping center. According to Říha, the price for the building on Leitnerova street is set too low and it could be sold for up to three times that amount. "The land under Albert generates rental income for the city, which will be higher in a few years than the set price of these lands," Říha stated. He also questioned the assessment of the building on Leitnerova street.

Former mayor Roman Onderka (ČSSD) suggested to the representatives twice that the city refine the point and present it next time to gain the opposition's support. However, the representatives did not approve this.

Pospíšil referred to the land swap as Yalta II. He reminded the situation over ten years ago when the city exchanged luxury lands and received the Yalta passage from a private owner. The city intended to relocate officials there, but due to the poor condition of the passage, it was ultimately not possible. The property deteriorated, and the city unsuccessfully tried to sell it until it was finally sold last year.

Mayor Petr Vokřál (ANO) rejected this comparison. "This is not Yalta II. We have an agreement with the Ministry of Education, the athletics association, and the region regarding the participation in this project, and I believe that the hall could be completed within two years," he said. His deputy Richard Mrázek (ANO) stated that the opposition is dissatisfied because a sports venue will be created that no one has been able to build so far.

In addition to athletes, the neighboring Masaryk University will also utilize the hall. According to the city, a covered athletics hall is lacking in southern Moravia, and therefore athletes must use various gyms for training, especially in the autumn and winter.