Jihlava bought the Modeta factory, which will serve for the development of the zoo in the future

Jihlava - The city of Jihlava has purchased the factory of Modeta Style and plans to use it, among other things, for the development of the neighboring zoo. For the site covering over 1.2 hectares of land, the company will receive a total of 29 million crowns in two installments. A purchase contract was signed today, reported Radek Tulis, spokesperson for the city hall, to ČTK. Textile production will continue in the factory for at least three to four more years, and the company will pay rent to the city for the used spaces.

"The location near the center and next to the popular Jihlava Zoo makes the site strategic for the further development of the city," stated Mayor Rudolf Chloupek (ČSSD) regarding the signing of the contract. The negotiations for the purchase of the site in Březinovy Sady lasted six years. The city council approved the purchase contract in November when they also decided to release the necessary funds.

Modeta specializes in sewing swimsuits and sports clothing. Its factory dates back to the early 20th century and has since been expanded. It now consists of ten main buildings and other operational facilities.

The city has several plans for the use of the site. The zoo needs more space for administration, operations, and to improve refreshments for visitors. "Jihlava lacks affordable accommodation capacities, for example for school trips, and this could be addressed here," said Deputy Mayor Jaromír Kalina (KDU-ČSL), who signed the purchase contract for the city. According to him, there could also be a school, rehearsal rooms for musicians, or an archive of the city hall in the factory. A parking lot for people heading to the zoo and the center could also be created there.

The zoo, which belongs to the city, is the most sought-after tourist destination in Vysočina. This year, it has already been visited by over 300,000 people.