Zlín University will begin constructing two more buildings this year

Zlín - Tomas Bata University (UTB) in Zlín will begin construction of two more buildings this year and will complete a third. The construction of the Center for Polymer Systems is expected to start in the spring, and the construction of the UTB Educational Complex on Štefánikova Street is also planned. The Faculty of Technology's Laboratory Center is expected to be completed in the autumn, Jan Malý from the university's rectorate informed CTK today.
     The Center for Polymer Systems was supposed to start construction last year, but the timeline was delayed by the selection process. "Currently, the final phase of selecting the general contractor for the building is underway, where more than 120 workers from the country and abroad will work on research of polymer systems and the use of the latest technologies," said rector Petr Sáha.
     The university has received an EU grant of 754 million crowns for the project, while the construction itself will cost 358 million. The modern center will utilize the latest technologies, and research on polymer systems has a tradition in Zlín.
     "This year, we should also begin construction of the Educational Complex. It will primarily serve for teaching humanities," noted the rector. The project architect is Eva Jiřičná, who has already designed the University and Congress Center in Zlín. The Educational Complex will be located near these facilities. The estimated cost of construction is 420 million crowns excluding VAT.
     Currently, the Laboratory Center for the Faculty of Technology is being built in the city center. The new building, costing 527 million crowns, will feature specialized laboratories with modern technology, serving for research activities and for teaching in follow-up master's and doctoral study programs.
     At Tomas Bata University, nearly 12,000 people are studying this academic year, compared to 12,920 students last year. In the first year, 2,940 students enrolled last year.