The region will again apply for a grant for the science popularization center in Jihlava

Jihlava - The Vysočina Region will once again attempt to obtain European funding for the establishment of a science popularization center in Jihlava. The regional leadership applied for support for the construction of a complex worth approximately one billion crowns last year, but the request was denied. Today, the regional council decided to continue with preparations, said Libor Joukl, the deputy to the governor.
    "We are waiting for the call in spring, which will specify the bidding conditions," Joukl stated. He added that it will determine whether the project needs to be adjusted or if it will be submitted to the operational program in the same form as it was a year ago. The regional application will be resubmitted to the Research and Development for Innovations program. Last year, the region aimed to obtain up to 600 million crowns from this program.
    The construction of the regional center in the former Otakar Jaroš barracks has been discussed at the regional office for several years. Initially, only a large office building for officials was planned. The current regional leadership expanded the project to include a conference center, which was transformed last year into a science popularization center. It includes a planetarium with an observatory, an interactive museum exhibition, a lecture hall, and underground garages.
    The approximately four-hectare area of the former barracks was transferred to the region from the army five years ago. The old buildings have already been demolished. The General Health Insurance Company is building its regional headquarters there.