New Bor plans to renovate the gymnasium and wants to involve the public in the discussion about the complex

Nový Bor - Nový Bor in Českolipsko is preparing a reconstruction of the community center, and the town hall wants to involve the public in discussions about the future form and use of the sports facility through workshops. The community center has great symbolic and practical significance for Nový Bor, and it is important that its future form meets the needs of the city and its inhabitants, said Mayor Jaromír Dvořák (Mayors for the Liberec Region) on the website. The first public meeting will take place on March 31, with another planned for April 22.

The community center, built in the 1930s, needs extensive renovation. The building, which includes a gym, a fitness room, a table tennis room, a bowling alley, volleyball, footvolley, and tennis courts covering an area of 7361 square meters, was transferred to the city from TJ Jiskra Nový Bor without compensation at the end of 2021. Three years ago, the city repaired the roof and the ceiling on the second floor, which were in a state of disrepair. This cost the town 12 million crowns. "The goal now is to create a clear brief by the end of summer that will determine the next direction of the community center's transformation," Dvořák added.

The town hall will have an architectural study prepared, but first, it wants to hear people's opinions. The city has tasked architects from the Mjölk studio to lead the workshops, with whom they previously collaborated on the park behind the polyclinic and residential building. "The workshop is an interactive meeting where we will collaboratively map the potential of the entire area. Through a planning game with large maps and diagrams, we will look for the ideal use for sports, culture, and relaxation," added Tereza Nováková from the Mjölk studio.

The workshops will be open to everyone, regardless of age or profession. "We are looking for opinions from athletes, representatives of community organizations, seniors from nearby residences, and parents with children. No specialized knowledge is required,” emphasized Nováková. Discussions will focus on how people have perceived the community center in the past, what facilities are missing in the city, or what functions the entire area could offer in the future. According to the architects, attendees do not need to prepare for the workshop. It is enough, according to Nováková, to come and share their own experiences, ideas, or memories of a place that is important to Nový Bor.

The town hall previously organized a survey regarding the use of the community center, which 985 people participated in, with 95 percent agreeing that the community center should serve as a community house. Almost half would welcome an ice rink, and people also expressed support for preserving the volleyball court, restaurant, and fitness center. "The community center should remain a base for sports but also become a place for culture, meetings, and leisure activities for all generations. The aim of the workshops is to find a balance so that the entire area functions and remains lively throughout the day," added Erika Štorchová from the city's development department.