The central pavilion of the Flora exhibition grounds is preparing for renovation

Olomouc - The areas around the central pavilion of the Flora Exhibition Grounds in Olomouc have been occupied by archaeologists. Their survey heralds an extensive reconstruction that this pavilion and its surroundings are expected to undergo by the end of next year. The investment will require around 300 million crowns. The city's plans were felt by the first visitors who headed to the largest and oldest Czech flower exhibition, Flora. Due to the reconstruction, the exhibition's activities have moved to the other side of Bezručovy Sady.
      The area where the new exhibition grounds are to be built is currently being examined by archaeologists from the organization Archaia Olomouc. "At the end of this month, there will be an evaluation of the bids from construction companies applying for the construction of the entire exhibition grounds. The estimated price is around 330 million crowns. But given that the construction market is very turbulent, I believe we will get the price about 25 percent lower," said Martin Major, the Deputy Mayor (ODS), to ČTK. He noted that the construction is funded by European funds.
      The main pavilion A of the Olomouc exhibition grounds, which has been in operation since 1967, is set to undergo a comprehensive reconstruction. Only the reinforced concrete skeleton of the building will be preserved, while other parts will be replaced, as they are in unsatisfactory condition. The pavilion will also be expanded, and alongside a new exhibition area of 1,090 square meters, a new administrative building with a restaurant will be created. Both buildings will be connected by a footbridge. The city will also invest in improving access roads to the area and building a parking lot for around 100 cars and 11 buses. The investment will also include repairs of sidewalks, sewage systems, and public lighting.
      The reconstruction of the pavilion was supposed to start last year. However, it was delayed by extensive preparations, and the municipality even streamlined the project halfway through the development of the project documentation, Major noted. "Construction work should now begin in October of this year and should be completed by the end of next year," he added.
      The repairs will primarily affect the operations of the exhibition itself. This was already evident at today's opening of the summer phase of the Flora Olomouc exhibition, which had to for the first time do without its central pavilion. The main exhibition was moved to Pavilion H. However, visitors were tolerant of the changes.
      The Flora Olomouc exhibition grounds belong to the joint-stock company of the same name, which is wholly owned by the city. The history of the exhibition grounds dates back to 1966 when a budget organization, the Olomouc Exhibition Gardens, was established by a decision of the District National Committee in Olomouc.