The proposed renovation of Malostranské náměstí will cost 100 million

Prague - The future revitalization of Malostranské náměstí will cost 100 million crowns. This follows from today’s resolution of the city councilors, which ČTK has available. Architects will complete the study by the end of the year. Next year, the preparation of project documentation will follow. When the actual repairs will begin is not clear from the materials. The previous city leadership had promised that the work would start next year.
    There have been long-running debates about the appearance of the square. An expert jury last September selected the winning design by architects Martin Hájek, Václav Hájek, and Petr Horský in an international architectural competition. The architects unify the space of the square, reduce the number of parking spaces, and add seating and space for a sculptural work and a fountain. They are also changing the placement of roads and tram tracks.
    By announcing an architectural competition, the city responded last year to pressure from people dissatisfied with the current appearance of the square. They primarily disagree with the fact that this ancient place under Prague Castle, dominated by St. Nicholas Church, serves as a parking lot, among other things for the nearby Parliament buildings. Local residents even wrote a petition because of this, gathering 5000 signatures.
    The planned opening of the Blanka tunnel complex could contribute to calming traffic in Malostranské náměstí. Prague is considering closing the Lesser Town to transit traffic in connection with this.