West Bohemian University will build a research and sports complex

Plzeň - The University of West Bohemia (ZČU) will submit a request for funding to Brussels by the end of next year for the establishment of a research and development center costing four to five billion crowns. An association of scientists, schools, and companies reminiscent of California's Silicon Valley will focus on computer science and cybernetics. The school is also negotiating with the city hall about the construction of a giant sports complex. This is reported by today's Plzeňský deník.
    A five-hectare vacant lot next to the university campus in the Green Triangle in Bory is half owned by the city and the rest by private owners. The city hall will assist the school in consolidating it. According to the Deputy Mayor for Economics Vladimír Duchka, the city hall can either buy the remaining land or private owners can develop it together with the city.
    The research center is expected to provide jobs for 700 PhD students and researchers from schools and companies by 2013. ZČU will process six projects, for example in the field of security research and alternative electricity production.
    The university also discussed with the city on Tuesday the construction of a giant sports complex, also in the Green Triangle, which will serve the public as well. Therefore, the city hall should participate in its construction. According to Rector Josef Průša, the school suffers from a lack of sports facilities and has to rent them at a high cost.