Broumov reassesses the conversion of the brewery into a sports center

Broumov (Náchodsko) - The representatives of Broumov in the Náchod region are reassessing the project to convert the unused former brewery into a sports center. The project, valued at 260 million crowns, was approved by the previous council and also received support of 130 million crowns from European grants. However, the new representatives want to verify whether the renovation and subsequent operation will not be too costly. This was stated today by Mayor Milan Kotrnec (ČSSD).
    "We are reassessing the project, trying to find an answer to the question of whether the city can support the entire project," said the mayor. At the end of last year, the council tasked the finance committee with preparing a position on the possibility of financing the construction and subsequent operation of the Broumov Brewery Sports Center, with a deadline set for the April meeting of the representatives.
    "We don't have much time left; the absolute latest deadline is May, to avoid jeopardizing the potential completion date of the construction, on which the subsidy is tied," said Kotrnec. He claims that for a city with an annual budget of 180 million crowns, this is a relatively demanding investment. "Moreover, we do not know of any sports center that would be profitable," said Kotrnec, who has not yet wanted to anticipate how the project will turn out.
    Last January, 14 representatives voted for the project, eight voted against, and one abstained. Some representatives already warned back then that the city would significantly incur debt due to the project, and in the following years, it would also need to cover the operational costs of the entire sports facility.
    The project includes a 25-meter long swimming pool with additional water attractions, a multifunctional hall, space for a restaurant, bowling, and dozens of covered parking spaces underground. Only the front wall of the currently unused municipal brewery will remain, while the builders plan to complete other parts. The project, expected to be completed by the end of 2013, aims to assist the city in further developing tourism.