In Blansko, they opted for a more economical version of the new pool construction

Blansko - The construction of a new indoor swimming pool in Blansko is expected to be more economical; for example, the original plans included a wellness area and a fitness center, which are no longer being considered. The new design of the planned building was approved by the councilors. The city hall reported this on its website.

The new pool will replace the current building of the indoor spa, which is closed due to its emergency condition. The plans for the construction of a modern building were originally approved by the councilors in December 2019, with the cost of the new construction estimated at 276 million crowns. However, given the rise in construction material prices and record inflation, the city would now have to pay more than 460 million crowns without VAT for the original project, which is an amount intended for the city's investments for several years. Therefore, the plans were reduced. For instance, according to the original plans, the new building was also to include a wellness area and a fitness center, which will not be included in the final project; the pool was also supposed to have eight lanes, but it will only have six.

"Even the reduced version of the indoor pool will provide the necessary facilities for swimmers, a sufficient number of lanes for swimming clubs, facilities for school instruction or swimming for the youngest children, and opportunities for relaxation for the general public. The stainless steel pools will be complemented by a shared heating room, steam sauna, refreshment area, social facilities, and a changing room with 210 lockers," described the mayor of Blansko, Jiří Crha (ODS).

The city wants a guarantee that further price increases in the market will not increase the cost of the new pool. Therefore, they chose the so-called Design and Build method for the construction. In this method, the contractor commits in advance to a maximum price for the work. "Thanks to the Design and Build method, the contractor is bound by the maximum price of the facility - the new construction, including technologies and furnishings, must not exceed 200 million crowns without VAT; the price including costs for demolition, relocation of utilities, or equipping the facility should not exceed 260 million crowns," stated Crha. He added that Blansko has part of the financing for the construction prepared in its accounts, and they plan to acquire additional funds through the already approved sale of land in the industrial zone. The city will also attempt to obtain a grant for the construction of the pool from the National Sports Agency or a state subsidy.

The main pool, measuring 25 by 13.5 meters, and the so-called teaching pool, measuring 10.5 by 5 meters, along with other facilities, are expected to be available for swimmers by the end of 2025, when the city plans to start trial operations. The indoor pool is expected to operate year-round, allowing visitors from the neighboring aquapark to use it in the summer.