Experts: The concert hall should be built in the center of Brno

Brno - The concert hall for the Brno Philharmonic, the construction of which has been debated in Brno for almost 100 years, is to be built on the current parking lot next to the Besední dům in the city center. In the past, other locations were discussed, such as an area near the exhibition center. However, a new assessment by municipal experts has confirmed the site next to the Besední dům as the most advantageous location, city councilor Daniel Rychnovský (KDU-ČSL) said today to reporters.
    Doubts about the parking lot near the Besední dům as a suitable site arose mainly due to the subsoil. Some experts claimed that a multi-storey building with underground garages would not be possible to construct on the so-called liquid sands. According to Rychnovský, the problem could be solved by reducing the number of underground levels from three to two - for such a building, the designated site is already suitable.
    The garages are expected to create 250 parking spaces. According to the chairman of the Brno city council's transport committee, Josef Veselý, the intersection near the Besední dům will handle the influx of cars during concerts. Proponents of the project argue that the site next to the Besední dům is suitable also because there are several hotels in the vicinity. Besides concerts, the hall is intended to serve for various congresses and balls, and the nearby hotels would be an advantage.
    Due to the construction of the Janáček Cultural Center, a professional commission was established in Brno this summer. Its members include politicians, municipal officials, and architects. They will be tasked with moving the project forward and, for example, negotiating with the region whether it will pledge funds for the construction. Brno has 198 million crowns in its budget, which has been rolling over unused from year to year. According to Rychnovský, the region is expected to promise a similar amount.
    The construction of the concert arena is expected to cost about 1.2 billion crowns including VAT. The underground garages are estimated to cost around 350 million crowns, the construction of which could be financed by a private investor. Brno is counting on state funding and may also try to obtain money from the European Union. However, as Euro-MP and former Brno mayor Petr Duchoň (ODS) said today to reporters, European funds are unlikely to come for the project. The Union reportedly does not contribute to similar investments.