Děčín announces an architectural competition for the renewal of Podmokly

Děčín - The city of Děčín will announce a public architectural competition for the revitalization of the historical part of the Podmokly district. This area has recently been losing its attractiveness, businesses are diminishing, and it is becoming less appealing for living, reported CTK spokeswoman Markéta Lakomá.
    The area that architects should focus on roughly forms a triangle defined by Teplická, Podmokelská, and Československé mládeže streets. "There is a lack of space for citizens to meet, green and grassy areas are insufficient, and this part of the city is not well organized in terms of transportation," Lakomá stated.
    The architectural competition is aimed at the area as a whole, with particular attention to the space in front of the main train station, Husovo náměstí, Prokopa Holého street, and the surroundings of Jílovský brook. "The main street Prokopa Holého is partially a pedestrian zone, but the quality of the pedestrian zone is lacking. Parking, or if you will, quiet transport, is without logical order; also, the transportation in the area lacks a friendly arrangement for pedestrian traffic in the city. We also want to focus on recurring markets and social events," said councilor Valdemar Grešík in a press release.
    Other shortcomings of the location include missing benches, children's play equipment, or an information system. Public lighting should also be improved, and the entire area should be more accessible to people with disabilities. Děčín hopes to find solutions to these problems through the architectural competition. "The proposal should be based on an analysis of the development of the area, identifying existing problems and values, and assessing future development," added Lakomá. The exact competition brief will be published on the city's website, in the press, and on architectural websites. The winner is expected to be announced at the beginning of June.
    The implementation of the project will be divided into several stages. "It will depend on the development of the budget. This year we would like to work on Husovo náměstí and the market, and it should cost approximately four million crowns," said mayor František Pelant to CTK.
    The first written mention of the village of Podmokly dates back to 1407. In 1901, it was elevated to the status of a city. In 1942, it was merged with neighboring Děčín and Old Town into a single city called Tetschen-Bodenbach. After the war, the city of Děčín grew to include several other municipalities.