News
10 January 2008
Millions for Spodek modernisation
According to Gazeta Wyborcza, the councillors from Katowice decided on liquidation of the ‘Spodek’ Sports and Entertainment Company.
The liquidated company was the property of the city. Although Spodek has been a gold mine, its managers couldn’t clear the debts. Today they amount to over 4 million zloty. By the decision of the councillors Spodek will belong to the district and from then on will be a budget subject.
In practice it opens up the possibility of subsidising the hall straight from the municipal budget. For this year the city has already allotted several million zloty for modernisation. Previously the city could only lend the money to the company and did not have a real influence on spending it.
Municipality experts examined in detail the technical condition of the over 30-year-old building. It turned out that despite the passage of time and lack of complex modernisation, Spodek is in good shape. Nevertheless, a total renovation and building modernisation are needed. There is not much time. The European Basketball Championships will be held in Katowice in two years. By this time the ventilation system absolutely needs to be improved. Its bad condition was acutely felt by fans and volleyball players during last year’s Champions League. Moreover, an ultra-modern sports hall is soon going to be raised in Gliwice, which can become a competitor to Spodek.
In practice it opens up the possibility of subsidising the hall straight from the municipal budget. For this year the city has already allotted several million zloty for modernisation. Previously the city could only lend the money to the company and did not have a real influence on spending it.
Municipality experts examined in detail the technical condition of the over 30-year-old building. It turned out that despite the passage of time and lack of complex modernisation, Spodek is in good shape. Nevertheless, a total renovation and building modernisation are needed. There is not much time. The European Basketball Championships will be held in Katowice in two years. By this time the ventilation system absolutely needs to be improved. Its bad condition was acutely felt by fans and volleyball players during last year’s Champions League. Moreover, an ultra-modern sports hall is soon going to be raised in Gliwice, which can become a competitor to Spodek.