Plzeň will announce a competition for the solution of the English Embankment

English waterfront August 13, 2002

Plzeň - Plzeň is preparing to announce an architectural competition that should help determine how to utilize the space of the English waterfront in the city center. The land between the waterfront, American Avenue, and the bank building is predominantly owned by the city. There have been long-standing considerations for the construction of an underground parking garage on it. The architectural competition should indicate whether and possibly how the above-ground space should be developed, said Mayor's assistant Petr Rund to ČTK.
    According to him, the space is among significant attractive public spaces and also constitutes one of the most important entrances to the historical core of the city. However, the area is currently problematic - it is not visually interesting, has no purpose, and is inadequate for pedestrian stay and passage. "The above-ground structure provokes a lot of passion, and there are even voices that it should remain as green space, as an entrance to the park circuit," the assistant admitted.
    If the announcement of the competition is approved by the councilors, the city hall could have results in about six months. They should show the possibilities for the space. While, for example, heritage protectors would prefer a green area, some architects would like to see the place developed with a building, as it was before, Rund stated. Any potential structure would most likely be of a commercial nature.