Glavbolgarstroi Wins Contract For Sofia Sports Hall

On June 2, the head of the state agency for sports and youth, Vessela Lecheva turned the first sod, initiating construction on the new Sofia Sports Hall. However, the construction process has been marred by complaints from Strabag Sports Hall.The site, a total of 63 240 sq m in area is on IV km, belonging to the Defence Ministry, near CSKA's sports complex.Lecheva insists that regardless of Strabag's criticism, construction will be carried out immediately. "Funds have been secured and the decision has been made," she said, as quoted by Stroitelstvo Gradut, although a day after the award was given to Glavbolgarstroit, Strabag issued a complaint.Construction company Glavbolgarstroi AD and the consortium Strabag Sports Hall were the only two candidates to participate in bidding for the erection of the new multi sports hall in Sofia. Glavbolgarstroi (GBS) tabled an offer of 107 624 009 leva, excluding VAT, whereas Strabag tabled a counter-offer with 111 713 135 leva.As of June 16, the GBS concept was leading the race, having accumulated 42.2 points, with Strabag trailing behind with 28.73 points.The facility itself will have to accommodate basketball, volleyball, handball, gymnastics, as well as forums, concerts and other social events. Allied to the total cost of construction is another 10 per cent of unforeseen costs, in addition to the profit of the contractors themselves.Within the parameters established by NAYS, the scheme envisages the construction of a multifunctional sports hall with capacity for more than 12 000 people that would be open to future expansion. The sports hall must be accountable to all European Union standards because it will host both domestic and international sporting events.