Praha 3 wants an architectural competition for Jiřího z Lobkovic Square

Prague - The Prague 3 City Hall plans to modify Jiří z Lobkovic Square near the Olšany Cemeteries, for which it will announce an architectural competition. The city hall council decided this week to create a working group that will prepare the assignment. The city hall is gradually repairing other squares, with more planned.

The square is located on Vinohradská Street near the tram stop Olšanské cemeteries. "It is one of the largest squares in the Prague 3 district, potentially one of the most significant due to its location, yet it currently gives a rather awkward impression and has long awaited a more substantial revitalization," states the approved document.

The competition for the new design of the space will be preceded by the preparation of its assignment, which will be developed by the working group. It will include representatives from the coalition parties TOP 09 and STAN, the Pirates and the Greens, city hall officials, experts, and representatives of the local community.

The third city district has repaired some smaller Žižkov squares in recent years, such as Komenského or Kostnické. Others, like Tachovské or Žižkovo, are planned. Perhaps the most emotions are stirred by the long-planned proposal for the reconstruction of Jiří z Poděbrad Square in Vinohrady. The previous city hall leadership halted the preparation of repairs according to a modified project from 2002, and it is not yet clear how the new coalition will proceed. Until Monday, an information container is placed directly in the square where people can express their views on the reconstruction project.

The capital city is also preparing a complete reconstruction of Vinohradská Street, although its preparation has stalled and is likely to start only in 2021. Originally, the city aimed to coordinate it with the current repair of the tram line to avoid digging up the busy street twice. However, due to delays in obtaining permits and the condition of the tracks, which the transport company determined could no longer wait for repairs, this ultimately didn't succeed. According to city hall plans, the sidewalks on Vinohradská will be widened, new trash bins and benches will be added, and all stops are also expected to be barrier-free.