Swiss investor wants to complete the construction of the Plzeň football stadium

Plzeň - Swiss investor HRS wants to finish the city football stadium in Plzeň for more than a billion crowns and build commercial spaces in it. The city has already submitted a detailed study and a financing model, according to one option the city would not pay any money. Petr Rund (ODS), the deputy mayor, told ČTK.
     The city hall will express its opinion by the end of January. It must examine whether the proposed model is permissible under Czech law. Financing has been promised by the Swiss export bank.
     The complex would gain a new main stand for 8000 spectators, two towers with spirals for entrances to the highest levels of the stand, but mainly commercial operations such as restaurants, relaxation areas, rehabilitation services, a conference hall, and parking spaces.
     The stadium would thus live even outside of football matches. "We want it to be used every day and not just once every two weeks,” said Rund. The investor would acquire the complex for long-term lease or could buy it.
     The city hall completed new stands in the eastern, northern, and southern parts in December two years ago. The athletic oval has disappeared and the field has been moved 18 meters closer to the main stand. Plzeň paid 360 million for this, but does not have at least 100 million for the completion.
     "The main problem today is that if Viktorka (FC Viktoria Plzeň) advances especially to the Champions League, the stadium will need to meet the parameters of this competition. Complications may arise because not everything is completed," stated Rund.
     The most needed are facilities for 600 VIP guests and for journalists. The stadium is currently receiving exceptions before each match for the Europa League, where UEFA commissioners come to assess it.
     City hall workers will now say whether the project complies with the zoning plan, traffic connections, networks, aesthetics, scope, and content. "There would be a demolition of the main stand and for one year Viktorka would not have standard facilities. A temporary solution is proposed in the area of the neighboring floorball field, where changing rooms and offices would be located,” said Rund.
     He has doubts about whether Štruncovy sady are a suitable location for commercial operations that would generate income for the Swiss to repay their investment. Parking solutions, which are proposed in two underground levels, would also be a problem. "But that is their business risk,” said Rund.
     Because the offer is bold, he commissioned an alternative proposal for the stadium completion by a private investor who would then use it for ten years. "The city would also not pay a single crown and our operational expenses would be reduced,” he stated. This model will also be evaluated by the office by the end of January.
     HRS Real Estate AG has already built, for example, FIFA's headquarters in Zurich and also a football stadium for the European Championship, built on the roof of a shopping center in the same city. They are also building ice hockey arenas.