Jihlava wants to apply for grants for the modifications of the Modeta factory near the zoo for new use

Jihlava – Jihlava wants to apply for grants to modify the Modeta textile factory near the zoo, for which it is seeking new use. The property has belonged to the city since the end of 2016 and is partly empty. Today, after an hour-long debate, the representatives approved ten million crowns from the funds remaining from last year's budget for the preparation of project documentation.

"We need to repair that building because it is ours and it is not in good condition," stated Mayor Karolína Koubová (Fórum Jihlava). She also admitted that the city leadership has not been able to reach a clear consensus on what should be created in the former factory. Discussions include ideas like a restaurant and a visitor center. A feasibility study, which according to the mayor was commissioned 14 days ago, is expected to help.

Some Jihlava politicians, according to Koubová, would like new activities in the former factory to have an impact on the whole city, while others see it more as a space for the zoo's needs, which also belongs to the city, and others would prefer to use the industrial area primarily for business. "I think everything can be combined," she said.

Some representatives mentioned today that due to the uncertainties, it would be better to postpone the project. They also reminded that the city is planning more significant investments, including the construction of a multipurpose arena. "We acknowledge that this action should take place at some point, but at the same time, we say that it is wise to first know how it will be financed and second, what will be there," said Jiří Pokorný, chair of the finance committee and a representative for the opposition ANO party, regarding the preparation of documentation for the repairs of the factory near the zoo.

According to Koubová, Jihlava would need to obtain a building permit next year to avoid losing the opportunity for funding this investment from national sources focused on brownfields. According to the city hall, this could be a project totaling over 200 million crowns.

In the end, 20 representatives voted in favor of releasing funds for the project documentation, while ten were against. Four representatives abstained from voting.

The properties near the Jihlava zoo were purchased by the city at the end of 2016 for 29 million crowns. The factory, dating from the early 20th century, was subsequently expanded. When signing the purchase agreement, the city stated that the area covers over 1.2 hectares of land. The swimwear and sportswear manufacturer Modeta Style remains a tenant in part of the factory.

The city hall had previously planned to open the empty part of the factory to the public at least temporarily, until it secured funds for a larger renovation. However, according to the mayor, it has turned out that it would be more expensive than originally expected.