Citizens will be able to voice their opinions about the construction of City Park on the internet

Jihlava - Citizens will have the opportunity to express their opinions on the construction and benefits of the future Jihlava shopping and entertainment center City Park. The company CEI Building, which is the investor of the project, will launch a discussion forum on its website starting Thursday www.cityparkjihlava.cz . People will also find continuously updated information about the construction and its final form here.
Some people are protesting the creation of a multifunctional center in the area under the Znojmo Bridge in the form of petitions. Heritage preservationists have expressed opposition to the project as well. There are differing opinions among Jihlava city council members.
"We want to gain feedback on our ideas for the specific content of City Park," said Martin Jaroš from CEI Building to reporters today. The investor relies on a survey conducted in recent days by the Regional Empirical Center in Jihlava. Nearly 80 percent of the 550 Jihlava residents and those from surrounding areas over 15 years old agree with the construction of the shopping and entertainment center. "Younger people under 35 are the most favorable towards the construction, as they are expected to be the main customers and users of services in City Park," stated sociologist Daniel Hanzl.
Old buildings from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries have already been demolished in the area. Construction work is expected to begin this fall. City Park should open in the summer of 2008. Covering an area of more than 20,000 square meters, it will feature 120 retail units. Customers will access the complex via a new roundabout on Brněnská Street, and there will be parking available for 900 vehicles. A multiplex cinema with at least four screening rooms will be created on the roof. After completion, the center is expected to employ 450 people.