In Žďár nad Sázavou, architects proposed a new design for the surroundings of the House of Culture in a competition.

Žďár nad Sázavou - The Town Hall in Žďár nad Sázavou is preparing to adjust the extensive area around the House of Culture. Last year’s architectural competition, which had eight participants, was won by the M&P architects studio from Velké Meziříčí. Their proposal also includes the construction of access points to the Sázava River and, on the other side, shielding the area from busy roads. According to current expectations, the project could be realized from the year 2026, and it will still be possible to supplement and refine it, said Mayor Martin Mrkos (STAN, for Žďár - a lively city) to journalists today.

If the city agrees on further cooperation with the selected studio, the public will also have the opportunity to comment on the proposal in the spring. "So that the space will be truly unique and successful both aesthetically and functionally," said Mrkos. In the next two years, a project should be developed for the event and a building permit issued.

The House of Culture is located near Dolní Street, in the area between the main road and the river, along which a cycle path runs. It was built in the 1980s. The surrounding area, according to city architect Zbyňek Ryška, is very unsatisfactory. "It is in its original condition, made of asphalt concrete, with travertine-clad stairs that are in a deplorable condition. The network of pedestrian paths is designed solely for passage and offers no activities," he said.

The winning proposal envisions that the area in front of the House of Culture with stairs will be representative, shielded from neighboring main roads by elevated terrain with greenery. A smaller water surface with an artwork made of stone and glass will be created there, which, according to the authors, will remind visitors of the local traditional crafts. Access points to the river will be created behind the building, and these stairs will also be suitable for sitting. For example, a summer stage with a roofed stage will be built near the cultural house. There will be lawns, and existing greenery will be supplemented with maples, cherry trees, pines, and a separately placed oak.

The architectural competition concerned 1.1 hectares of land and was announced last June. Participants had four months to develop their proposals, with experts and representatives of local government sitting on the jury. The results were decided by the city council at the end of last year. Half of the nearly 600,000 koruna costs for the competition will be covered by a grant from the Ministry of Regional Development.

According to the mayor, the intention fits into the long-term strategy for the revitalization of the city center and its wider surroundings. This year, the city wants to adjust the area around the fortress.