The representatives of H. Králové approved an increase in the construction cost of the stadium by 16 million to 650 million CZK.

Hradec Králové - The representatives of Hradec Králové today approved an increase in the price of the under-construction football stadium by an additional 16.2 million crowns to 650 million crowns excluding tax. The arena was originally estimated to cost 568 million crowns excluding tax. The reason for the fourth price increase is the city's requirements for the stadium's equipment, which the initial agreement with the contractor did not cover. In addition to the coalition representatives, a majority of opposition representatives also supported the price increase.

The current price increase concerns the equipment for food services, adjustments to the skyboxes, and modifications for accommodation. It mainly involves aspects that are intended to turn the stadium into a multipurpose arena. The stadium is being built for the city by a consortium of three companies led by Strabag since August 2021. It is expected to be completed by the end of this June. It will have a capacity of 9,300 spectators.

The Deputy Mayor for Investments, Lukáš Řádek (TOP 09), pointed out at the council meeting that through additional orders the city must not exceed the price increase limit set by the Public Procurement Act, which for the stadium amounts to 653.2 million crowns excluding tax. After today's price increase, the city will be missing about three million crowns to reach the limit. According to Řádek, the city could use this for the preparation of installing so-called mood lighting for the stadium.

According to Řádek, additional orders and changes to the construction are also being adapted to the needs of the future operator, which should be the city football club FC Hradec Králové.

Even after its opening, the stadium will not have complete equipment and all its functions, as is known from visualizations. For example, the stadium will lack an amphitheater next to it, a running track around the stadium, or additional gym facilities. If the city wishes to acquire them, it will have to order them later through a new tender.

The largest previous price increase amounting to 59 million crowns was approved by the representatives last June. The reason was the rise in the prices of construction materials and other inputs, as well as the commissioning of additional work by the city. Builders will also demolish the old eastern stand against the original plans and replace it with a parking lot. They will further build changing rooms for youth teams in the stadium's facility and increase the number of seating for spectators to the maximum designed capacity of 9,300 from the previously anticipated 8,000.

The city has been preparing the construction on the site of the partially demolished multi-sport stadium from 1966 for over 15 years. The stadium is expected to meet UEFA category 4, which are stadiums for international matches.