Brno has initiated discussions on visions for the spatial development of the city

Brno - Brno today initiated discussions on the visions for the spatial development of the city, which are to serve as the basis for the creation of a new zoning plan. The Office of the Architect of the City of Brno, which is responsible for the preparation of this document, invites various interest groups to the discussions, as according to its director Michal Sedláček, the zoning plan is an agreement about the territory, he stated at the opening of the discussions at the Reduta theater.

Brno has a plan from 1994, last updated in 2008. The update approved by the previous coalition of ODS and ČSSD in 2014 was annulled by the court. A new zoning plan is therefore a necessity. However, it is already clear that it will not be completed by 2020, as required by the building law, and it is still unclear how this situation will be resolved.

The spatial vision is the foundation of how and where the city will develop. Therefore, today politicians, officials, entrepreneurs, architects, representatives of non-profit organizations, and public figures gathered. "Over 80 people expressed their opinions on the future shape of the city, each of them has different priorities and sees the city from different perspectives," said the spokesperson for the Office of the Architect, Lenka Němcová.

The office has been trying to involve the public in the discussions on urbanism and spatial planning since the beginning of its operation in July last year. The vision for spatial development will then be discussed with the city districts and the residents, and they are expected to be finalized in June and approved by the council.

"A hot topic is whether the city will pursue a completely new zoning plan or complete one of the three variants of the drafted zoning plan concept, which was put on hold in 2013. The decision is up to the politicians; however, in both cases, the visions for spatial development are crucial as they determine the priorities in urban creation," Sedláček said.

The current zoning plan is outdated and does not meet the current needs of the city. Some areas are still designated for industry, even though the factories no longer operate and these spots have become brownfields. The city also lacks flood protection measures that are to be included in the new zoning plan.