Plzeň has a proposal for changes to the square, adding trees, reducing parking and traffic

Plzeň - Plzeň has a proposal for what its historic central square could look like. An architectural competition was won by an idea that brings dozens of previously missing trees to the square, limits parking spaces and individual car traffic, expands pedestrian zones, and even proposes a market. The aim of the changes is to make the space more effective for its intended uses and friendlier for residents and tourists alike. The expert jury awarded three out of 12 submitted proposals, with the winning team coming from the architectural and urban planning studio MAAUS in Brno. The councilors unanimously approved the results of the competition today.

The city will begin negotiations with the winners to procure complete documentation, for which nine million crowns have been allocated. The redesign of the 1.2-hectare square could start in 2026 with the relocation of utilities, tree planting, the removal of the parking lot in front of the town hall, and other works. The city will initially find one hundred million crowns in the budget for this purpose, said Mayor Roman Zarzycký (ANO) to reporters. "I am very pleased with the winning proposal and the consensus among all experts, including conservationists. Besides making the square significantly more pleasant, it preserves its character and accounts for tree planting. I also welcome the fact that the proposal allows for phased implementation, which I consider crucial both for the public and in terms of the budget," Zarzycký said.

According to Deputy Mayor Pavel Bosák (Pirates), the square in its current form does not motivate people to linger outside of the occasional events held there. Homeless and problematic individuals often sit on the benches. "And we want to take our square back. Our goal is for people to feel encouraged to stop in the square, sit down, meet friends, and enjoy the whole space," Bosák said. He added that the aim is also to increase comfort for pedestrians and cyclists, create zones for outdoor seating, improve public transport flow, and plant trees in the square. "I am convinced that the winning proposal has handled this brief the best," he stated.

Deputy for Transportation and the Environment Aleš Tolar (STAN) estimated that the proposed changes could reduce individual traffic by half and eliminate dozens of parking spaces. The square currently functions as a large roundabout, with cars circling around it. After the completion of the modifications, cars would not be allowed on the western and southern sides. The pedestrian zone should expand fully on the western side near the bishopric. The surface of the square will extend to the buildings. Cars should not be allowed on the southern side either, where only trams should remain. The parking lot in front of the town hall will also be removed. Traffic will be restricted on Dřevěná street leading from the square.

All competitors agreed on the placement of trees. The winning studio MAAUS plans to align them along the peripheral western and eastern sides of the square. A group of trees will also be in the southern part near public restrooms, where the area is intended to be transformed into a place for relaxation and refreshments. However, the trees will not obstruct the view of the cathedral. There will still be sufficient space available for cultural events. In areas where car traffic remains, the traffic lane will be height-separated from the pedestrian area. "The design accounts for longitudinal parking spaces on the eastern side, and a few longitudinal spots will be available for visitors and weddings in front of the town hall. The parking lot inside the square near the town hall will be eliminated," Tolar added.

According to Irena Vostracká, director of the Office for Concept and Development of the City of Plzeň, the proposal is not a rigid dogma. "We will still discuss some of the individual proposals and develop some ideas further," she stated. All proposals will be displayed by the city in the exhibition hall of the West Bohemian Gallery starting from the end of January.