Jihlava announced an architectural competition for the redesign of the square

Masaryk Square, covering an area of 3.7 hectares, is among the largest in the Czech Republic. The subject of the competition is revitalization, which should enhance the attractiveness of this historic square for residents and visitors of the regional city. "And that includes changing traffic organization, a new concept of urban greenery and furniture, all while respecting the historical development of the city center and its landmarks," said the coordinator of the revitalization project Tereza Kafková.

The competition conditions have been published by the city on its website. According to a recent statement by Deputy Mayor Vratislav Výborný (ČSSD), it is up to the participants of the competition whether they will also pay attention to the criticized Prior shopping center in the square.

Architect Pelčák is, among other things, the author of the proposal for the revitalization of Denis Gardens in Brno. Other members of the jury will include Deputy Mayor Radek Popelka (ANO) and other Jihlava politicians and architects. At the same time as the jury, professional experts will evaluate the competition proposals from the perspective of traffic and heritage care.

The city has allocated 1.5 million crowns for prizes for competition participants, with the largest portion going to the winner. The author of the second-best proposal will receive 400,000 crowns, and a half prize will be awarded for third place. The remaining 200,000 crowns are designated for unrecognized proposals if they provide interesting partial suggestions and solutions.

The city will then negotiate with the winner of the competition, as well as with any other awarded architects, about the preparation of project documentation. The actual modifications to the square are likely to be carried out in stages. However, the next steps will be in the hands of the politicians who will emerge from the autumn municipal elections.