The Slovak government approved funding of Sk1.2 billion (€39.8 million) on Wednesday for the reconstruction of Ondrej Nepela Arena in Bratislava, which will host the 75th World Ice-Hockey Championship in 2011.
Bratislava city spokesperson Eva Chudinová told the TASR newswire on Wednesday that the funds would go to the regional government of Bratislava. Regional authorities on September 25 approved a timeline that will see the reconstruction take 18 months, starting in May 2009. The roof of the ice-rink will be completely changed and the support columns will be replaced.
The city of Bratislava will cover the costs of adjoining parkland and underground garages worth a total of Sk320 million (€10.6 million). Bratislava's Regional Office is also carrying out preparation for the construction of a multifunctional facility in the Bratislava borough of Petržalka. Bratilsava Regional Office chairman Vladimír Bajan confirmed for media last week the Worlds in 2011 would take place at this facility. The construction should to be completed in January 2011 and the preliminary cost estimate for the construction and infrastructure is €85 million (Sk2.56 billion), calculated in 2009 prices. TASR
Compiled by Zuzana Vilikovská from press reports
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