In Jihlava, the selection process for the construction of the arena is being extended due to questions about the project

Jihlava - The tender for the construction of a multipurpose arena in Jihlava, with an estimated value of around 1.3 billion crowns, is being prolonged. According to the city council, this is due to companies asking for details about the project. The deadline for submitting offers has been extended several times by the city. Currently, interested parties can submit offers or requests for participation until June 29. This information comes from data on the city's website and in the public procurement bulletin. The region has promised to contribute to the construction, and Jihlava is also expecting a subsidy for the construction of the arena from the National Sports Agency.

Inquiries about the project from construction companies are coming every two or three days, according to the city council. "Companies are asking for details about a project that is complex. And as long as they are justifiably asking, we have to respond or clarify according to the law," said Jihlava councilor David Beke (ODS), who is the manager of the construction of the Horácká multifunctional arena.

The new arena would allow not only hockey and other sports matches but also the organization of cultural events. It is to be built on the site of the existing ice rink, the demolition of which is also included in the contract. The preparations for the project have been complicated by the coronavirus epidemic and the problems have worsened due to the war in Ukraine. Among other things, construction materials have become more expensive. "The war impacts, for example, the labor force. Men who could be building are in Ukraine defending their country. Moreover, many basic commodities come from Ukraine, such as iron ore," said the councilor. Companies must factor these influences into their bids. "They will probably have to significantly increase the price compared to the base bid," Beke stated.

If, according to him, the price offers were higher than the amount the city has available for the arena, an extraordinary council would have to convene in the summer to decide on further steps.

Jihlava launched the tender for the construction of the arena in mid-February this year, going in with a budget of 1.3 billion crowns. After the selection is completed, it will submit materials to the National Sports Agency, from which it expects a subsidy of 300 million crowns. Jihlava councilors approved a loan of up to 600 million for the construction of the arena, and the Vysočina Region promised to contribute half a billion crowns.