Pardubice have initiated the repair of the Gate of Champions, which is to be completed within a year

Pardubice - In Pardubice, the modernization of the Gate of Warriors has begun, which is part of the summer football stadium. The heritage-protected building will be renovated in ten months to one year. The costs will be nearly 50 million crowns. This was stated to journalists today by city representatives.

The stadium with the Gate of Warriors was designed by Karel Řepa and Ferdinand Potůček, and was completed in 1931. In the past, the city wanted to demolish the gate, but thanks to public activism, it became a heritage site in 2016. "It is our municipal debt," said Mayor Jan Nadrchal (ANO) regarding the reconstruction. According to him, the restoration of the stadium was sensitive, and the gate still needs to be completed, he added.

The modernization of the stadium according to the design of architect Jaromír Chmelík was completed in 2023, but the gate was not part of the investment. Chmelík also worked on the restoration of the gate. A café will be open in it six days a week, along with a fan shop, ticket offices, and storage spaces.

"It has been stripped down, cleared out, and work on the modernization will begin. There is a weather factor, we believe that the work will be completed in ten to twelve months," said Deputy Mayor Jakub Rychtecký (Žijeme Pardubice).

The construction company will carry out the work for 49.2 million crowns, which is seven million less than the projected price. The Gate of Warriors will also be expanded by 150 meters, said Rychtecký.

In the past, the city discussed demolishing the monument and creating a replica. However, that does not align with today's trends, said the architect. "There will be a strengthening of the statics according to current legislation. We need to prepare more massive structures," said Chmelík.

Part of the gate reconstruction will also include the repair of the eastern stand, which is currently unused. It will serve as a gathering place for people or for screenings. During the stadium reconstruction, a new stand was created in front of the original one, which is used by football fans. Deputy Mayor René Živný (Společnost pro Pardubice) looks forward to everything being repaired. "Anyone watching football on television sees the old, unrenovated stand and the remains of the gate. Once everything is reconstructed, it will definitely be an asset for tourism in the city of Pardubice," said Živný.