Plzeň wants to build an aquapark with the region for hundreds of millions

Plzeň - Plzeň plans to build a water entertainment center on the outskirts of the city in cooperation with the Plzeň Region for hundreds of millions of crowns. There is currently no aquapark with a relaxation area in the region. Both the region and the city know that EU subsidies for these projects will no longer be available. They are preparing a memorandum for joint action, the first step of which will be a study by a German company. It is to be completed within four months and will determine the best location, types of attractions, construction costs, and operational management, which would be provided by a private entity. This was stated by Governor Josef Bernard and Mayor Martin Zrzavecký (both from ČSSD) to ČTK.

"We are one of the few regional cities where, I don't want to say an aquapark, but a water entertainment center is missing. We are a country with very attractive places, there is no sea, and there are not many sunny days," Bernard stated. The center should also include wellness facilities, a relaxation zone, massages, and saunas, he added. The city can negotiate more synergistic effects with the region, such as cheap or free public transportation.

The governor and the mayor already have the first draft of the memorandum available, which is to be approved by the regional and city councils. Both entities have already negotiated with a company that builds and operates aquaparks, and for 1.34 million CZK, they will process the study. "What mainly interests us is whether the operation, if we were to finance the facility from public funds, could do without our subsidies," the governor said.

According to the consulting firm, the operation from the launch to the end of the facility's lifespan would cost double the initial investment. "If we are talking about one billion, then the operation will cost two billion, which is not insignificant," the mayor said. However, due to a large catchment area, the facility can sustain itself if it is not overambitious.

According to the governor, there will need to be a public debate about the project. He wants the opposition to largely agree with the approach. The ČSSD had it on billboards in 2014 for the municipal elections, while the opposing TOP 09 often advocates it in the council.

Two locations are being considered for the construction of the facility - Lopatárna in Doubravka and Chotíkov towards Karlovy Vary. "In Chotíkov, we are discussing with the municipality and the heating plant. One of the visions is to connect it to the incinerator so that it has energy efficiency," Bernard said. In Lopatárna, the city would have to purchase private land for 50 million CZK, and there is a problem with traffic connection.

An aquapark for 600 million crowns was planned in 2013 and 2014 by a Russian entrepreneur from Karlovy Vary near the Borská pole industrial zone. Before that, a German pool network, Aquamare, negotiated for three years about it. After Plzeň said it would not participate in the operation, there was no longer any interest. Currently, there are three swimming pools in the city, all of which require significant investments.