Jihlava wants to reduce the cost of the arena project so that it does not amount to 1.5 billion CZK

Jihlava – Jihlava is looking for ways to reduce the cost of the multi-purpose arena project. According to current estimates, the costs for construction in the optimal form would exceed 1.5 billion crowns, which the city cannot afford, according to Mayor Karolína Koubová (Forum Jihlava). She stated this today at an online press conference. The new arena is to replace the aging ice rink. The city hall aims to negotiate subsidies from the region and the state for the new arena.

"We cannot afford to start building and then find out that we do not have the money for it," the mayor stated. According to her, the city can contribute a maximum of 600 million crowns to the arena. The Horácký Ice Rink hosts home games for the Dukla hockey team. The city owns both the sports facility and the hockey club. It has already received permission for the demolition of the rink and for the placement of the new arena in the same location.

Jihlava councilor and manager for the arena construction, David Beke (ODS), stated today that the costs are currently calculated for the arena in an "all inclusive" form, meaning it includes the highest possible level of equipment. This also includes illuminated boards and stone elements in the interior or on the outdoor areas. "We are looking for savings opportunities," Beke said. He added that cuts might also affect the planned campus with accommodation for athletes.

According to the councilor, Jihlava does not want to back down from the investment. "We are currently going full steam ahead towards a big new arena, and the crisis options are in the background," Beke said. The city needs to know the possible county contribution to the arena no later than June before applying for a subsidy from the National Sports Agency. As Beke stated, the maximum achievable amount of state support is 300 million crowns. He believes that the city could also receive some money from fundraising or private contributors.

According to Deputy Mayor Petr Ryška (ODS), there are several variants for how the new arena might look. He estimates that costs could be reduced to around 1.2 billion crowns. "Although it probably wouldn’t be exactly the arena that we all here, who have been working on this for years, envisioned," he said.

The basic functions of the new arena are to be preserved. In addition to extraleague hockey matches and other sports events, it should also provide facilities for various cultural and social events.