<translation>ODS in Brno proposes the operation of garages under the concert hall</translation>

Brno - The opposition ODS in Brno proposes to open the underground garages beneath the planned Janáček Cultural Center. An investment of about 35 million crowns would be necessary for this, said councilor Petr Kratochvíl (ODS) to the media today. The garages, with 191 spaces costing a quarter of a billion, are currently inaccessible; their complete completion is planned with the construction of the concert hall. The construction of the hall, costing 1.3 billion, is set to begin in 2020 and will take two years. According to Kratochvíl, the garages could operate until the construction begins and not remain idle. The city and the municipal company Brno Communications are gathering information, as reported by ČTK.

The director of Brno Communications, Luděk Borový, previously stated that the garages would be closed for safety reasons, because they do not have completed ventilation or elevators, for example. "This situation can last for several years. The earliest possible date for the start of implementation is spring 2020, provided that no one appeals. It could also be longer. We do not have a guarantee of starting in two years. To meet the conditions of the parking house, an investment of about 35 million crowns is needed for the completion of the garages," said Kratochvíl. According to him, this would be for ventilation as well as for the camera and barrier system. This year the government will decide whether to contribute 600 million to the cultural center.

According to Kratochvíl, opening the garages would be useful during the period when Brno launches a residential parking project starting this September. Moreover, parking lots will disappear from the nearby Dominican Square, where a social space will be created.

During the construction of the concert hall, Kratochvíl would temporarily cease using the parking house for safety reasons. "If we assume that on working days 150 spaces are occupied for 12 hours a day at a rate of 40 crowns per hour, the annual revenue would amount to 19 million crowns. Thus, the revenue before the planned construction would amount to over 30 million, which would also cover the investment for opening," added Kratochvíl, noting that otherwise, there is a risk that the garages will remain idle for several years.

The rough construction of the garages was completed at the beginning of this year. The concert hall, which will have more than 1200 seats, is expected to cost 1.3 billion crowns. Of that, the city will provide 600 million, and the state should contribute 600 million crowns as well.