Svitavy canceled the project for major construction modifications and the extension of the indoor swimming pool

Svitavy – The leadership of Svitavy has completed the preparation of the project for major structural modifications and the extension of the indoor pool. The city council decided today to cancel the tender for this public contract. The main reason is the overall price, which would significantly burden the city budget for several future years and complicate further municipal investments. The pool will thus only undergo necessary operational adjustments, stated the town hall spokesperson Kateřina Kotasová in a press release.

"We searched and tried various grant programs that could help us finance such a large project, unfortunately, despite all efforts, we were unable to obtain the grants. The decision not to proceed with the project is, I believe, economically responsible," said Mayor David Šimek (Association for the City of Svitavy). Svitavy is preparing further project ideas, including modifications of public spaces in housing estates, repairs of local roads, a nativity scene museum, and the reconstruction of the underpass at the Ottendorfer library.

The modernization project of the pool was twice on the verge of commencement and twice halted for economic reasons. In October 2020, a tender for the construction supplier was announced for the third time, with the city reserving the right to cancel the tender if the lowest evaluated bid price exceeded 170 million crowns excluding VAT. However, even the most advantageous offer significantly exceeded this set limit.

At the time of the tender's initiation, Svitavy had earmarked 110 million crowns, including a granted subsidy of 12 million crowns from the State Environmental Fund, and expected to obtain a loan of 60 million crowns. In December 2020, the city also submitted a request for a grant from the investment program of the National Sports Agency and hoped to receive at least 50 million crowns. However, the call was canceled on August 4, 2021.

The swimming pool was opened in 1994 and has not undergone any significant innovations since then. Since 2016, discussions have been held in Svitavy regarding its major reconstruction and extension. Local residents miss additional features, such as wellness facilities, and the pool management would appreciate more modern technologies. However, the pool will not remain in its current state; it is necessary to address some fundamental issues such as insulation, air conditioning adjustment, or technology reconstruction. The town hall plans to carry out these adjustments gradually by 2023, with estimated costs of 80 million crowns.