The Broumov Brewery will be transformed into a sports center by the Tsunami studio

Broumov (Náchodsko) - The representatives of Broumov in the Náchod region today approved a project to transform the unused building of the former municipal brewery into a Sports Centre. If the project receives funding from European funds, the construction of the sports facility costing more than 250 million crowns should begin in the autumn of 2011. Libuše Růčková, the mayor of the town, said this to ČTK today.
    "14 representatives voted in favor, eight against, and one abstained," the mayor said. Some representatives pointed out that the city would become significantly indebted due to the project and that in the coming years, it would also need to cover the subsequent operating costs of the entire sports facility. "I believe that most representatives agree with the project, but those who were against it were concerned that the implementation of the project is not appropriate during an economic crisis," Růčková said.
    The approval from the representatives will allow a request for European funding, which should reach approximately 150 million crowns. The remaining funds will be covered by a loan taken out by the city.
    The project, which the city presented to the public on Monday, includes a 25-meter swimming pool with additional water attractions, a multipurpose hall, spaces for a restaurant, bowling, and dozens of covered parking spaces in the basement. The only remaining part of the current unused municipal brewery will be the front wall, while builders plan to complete the rest. "The project will help the city in its further development not only of tourism," Růčková said.
    The applicant for the grant should be the Agency for the Development of Broumovsko, which is more advantageous than if the city applied for the funds. According to the project, construction could be completed by the autumn of 2013.