Pilsen and UWB sign memorandum on new swimming pool construction

Pilsen and the University of West Bohemia (UWB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in preparing and constructing the Pilsen–Bory Swimming Pool. The agreement aims to enable construction near the campus while protecting the university’s research activities.

Concerns had been raised that the construction could affect the centre’s operations due to increased noise and vibration levels. The memorandum sets out the basic principles of cooperation between the City of Pilsen and the University of West Bohemia (UWB) and confirms their shared interest in continuing to work together actively. The two parties have also agreed to provide each other with information on all significant matters relating to the preparation, permitting and construction of the swimming pool. The memorandum was signed at the university on Thursday, 1 October, by Pilsen Mayor Roman Zarzycký and UWB Rector Miroslav Lávička.

“From the outset, we have said that the university supports the new swimming pool and wants the project to go ahead. At the same time, however, we have had to protect the functioning of the campus and resolve practical issues related to part of the traffic and parking using university land. I am pleased that we have managed to find a compromise acceptable to both sides. This is not a victory for one side or the other, but an agreement that will allow the project to move forward while also setting the conditions for its future operation,” said UWB Rector Miroslav Lávička.

“I am pleased that the Rector and I have found a way forward for the construction of the new swimming pool. I fully understand the university’s position and am aware that the city must wait for the university’s internal approval process. We will, of course, start looking for the necessary funding, and I firmly believe that we will be able to complete the necessary processes and secure the funding as soon as possible. I would also like to commend the Rector for defending the university’s interests while at the same time understanding the needs of the city and its residents,” said Pilsen Mayor Roman Zarzycký.

The City of Pilsen launched a competition for the design of the new swimming pool in 2022. The facility is intended to replace the outdated swimming pool on Kozinova Street. The competition was won by AVE architekt. The project includes a multifunctional and leisure swimming hall with a 25-metre indoor pool, outdoor pools and recreational areas. The swimming hall will serve both athletes and the general public and will include relaxation areas and wellness facilities. The hall has a minimalist design, with an emphasis on materials such as concrete, steel and undecorated ceramics. Glazed areas will connect the interior spaces with the surrounding greenery.

The City of Pilsen has already prepared the planning documentation required for the planning decision and intends to cooperate with the university primarily in preparing the project documentation required for the building permit. The city will commission and pay for this documentation and will also keep the university informed about its preparation. The final version of the project documentation will be submitted to the university for approval. UWB will provide the city with all reasonable cooperation that can fairly be expected of it, taking into account its legitimate interests, in connection with the planning decision and the building permit for the project.

In response to concerns about the potential negative impact of the construction on the operations of NTIS, which is equipped with calibrated instruments sensitive to vibrations and electromagnetic waves, the City of Pilsen has already commissioned several acoustic studies addressing potential noise from road and tram traffic, the operation of the swimming pool and construction activities, as well as possible vibration impacts on surrounding buildings. Under the memorandum, the city has committed to UWB to fully respect the recommendations set out in these acoustic studies and incorporate them into the project documentation required for the building permit. At the same time, Pilsen will take steps to minimise the negative impact of the construction and operation of the swimming pool on university buildings as far as possible. It will implement the proposed technical measures and solutions aimed at reducing noise and vibration levels to the lowest technically achievable level. The construction itself will also be carried out with the utmost consideration for the university’s operations.

The memorandum also addresses parking for swimming pool visitors, compensation for the parking capacity provided by the university, the possibility of teaching selected courses at the swimming pool, and admission fees for university staff and students. These matters and the relevant conditions are expected to be addressed in greater detail in further agreements between the two parties.