Architects will prepare a study for the modifications of Malostranské Square

Prague - Architects will complete the study by the end of the year, based on which the appearance of Malostranské náměstí in Prague is expected to change in the future. In an interview with ČTK, Deputy Mayor Matěj Stropnický (Trojkoalice/SZ) stated this. Debates about the appearance of the square have been ongoing for a long time.
    Last September, a professional jury selected the winning design in an international architectural competition by architects Martin Hájek, Václav Hájek, and Petr Horský. The architects unify the square's space, reduce the number of parking spaces, and add seating areas and a place for a sculpture and a fountain. They also change the layout of the roads and tram lines.
    According to Stropnický, next year the groundwork for zoning and building permits will be created. He could not estimate when the actual reconstruction might begin. The previous city leadership promised that the work would start next year.
    By announcing the architectural competition, the city responded last year to the pressure from people who dislike the current appearance of the square. They mainly disagree with the fact that this ancient site below Prague Castle, dominated by the Church of Saint Nicholas, serves as a parking lot, among other things for the nearby buildings of Parliament. Local residents even wrote a petition, gathering 5000 signatures.
    The planned opening of the Blanka tunnel complex could help calm traffic in Malostranské náměstí. Prague is considering closing Malá Strana to through traffic in connection with that.