The skating rink of Iunak stadium and the Winter Palace in Sofia will undergo renovation works, Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev said after a meeting with ice dance world champions Albena Denkova and Maxim Staviski.

Facility renovation will be needed so that Bulgaria could host the junior world championship in February 2008.

Stanishev invited Denkova and Staviski for a talk to learn about their future plans and problems related to the development of sport in Bulgaria.

Head of the state youth and sports agency Vessela Lecheva said that the institution has already agreed to carry out the renovation. The agency will provide funds, which are expected to reach between 700 000 and one million leva. An investor will also be sought.

The location of the rink is very suitable, Denkova said, since the Sofia underground will soon reach the area. Hopefully an investor will be found fast, she said.

Winter Palace renovations include work on its skating rink and design changes. Currently experts evaluate expenses so that the state agency could allocate funds.