<Příbram> will repair the old aquapark so that it can be used until the construction of the new one

Příbram - Příbram is preparing partial repairs of the dilapidated aquapark so that swimmers can use it until the city builds a new facility. The work will primarily focus on key technologies such as water distribution systems, thermal and chlorine management, and air conditioning. The repairs will be handled by the City of Příbram Sports Facilities in the form of partial contracts, with costs amounting to units up to lower tens of millions of crowns. This summer, during the operation of the outdoor pool, the aquapark will be temporarily closed for that reason, said Mayor Jan Konvalinka (for ANO) to journalists today.

Příbram has been planning a complete reconstruction of the aquapark for several years, but has been unsuccessful in finding a construction company. The repeated tender had to be canceled by the city council, as the only bidder did not meet the tender requirements. Therefore, the city management decided to look for alternative solutions for the project. On Monday, the councilors agreed to the possibility of building a new aquapark on the site of the current outdoor pool and to eventually repurpose the existing building for other uses, such as converting it into a multifunctional hall. Detailed solutions are to be approved on December 4, and until then, this option will be verified.

The basic decision-making of the councilors, according to Konvalinka, revolved around whether to pursue the original project, for which a construction company could not be found, or to focus on a new project. The councilors preferred the option of constructing a new aquapark according to a new design on the site of the outdoor pool. The advantage is the connection to water and sewage, as well as the fact that the old aquapark can remain operational in the meantime. Workers are expected to demolish the outdoor pool, with the main aim to utilize the space. The city hall will now investigate whether the project is feasible, and in December, they may proceed to commissioning the project documentation.

An expert group consisting of designers, technologists, specialists in the operation of similar facilities, structural engineers, and an architect focusing on urban planning or energy is to be established for the project. A monitoring group composed of representatives from all council clubs should also be formed.

In the past, the councilors set a price cap for the reconstruction at 350 million crowns excluding VAT. However, the only bidder offered 405 million CZK excluding tax. Thus, they did not meet the conditions of the announced procedure, and the councilors decided to exclude them and cancel the tendering procedure.

Příbram has been planning the project for several years, with discussions beginning in 2016. In May 2020, the city hall halted work on preparing the reconstruction in the most extensive variant. According to Konvalinka, the project had become too bloated and the costs would exceed half a billion crowns. Therefore, the councilors decided to lower the maximum price, which they later adjusted again due to developments in construction prices. According to the opposition, the new aquapark should have been operational a long time ago. Konvalinka argued that the city hall faced a large number of inquiries from potential suppliers that it had to respond to. At the same time, he claimed that it was trying to prepare the contract as well as possible.