H. Králové is preparing a tender for 30 million CZK for the designer of the reconstruction of the Great Square

Hradec Králové - Hradec Králové plans to announce a tender in February for the designer of the long-prepared reconstruction of the historic Great Square. The city hall estimates that the project documentation for the construction permit could be completed at the turn of 2026 and 2027. The actual reconstruction, if everything goes smoothly and the city hall obtains the permits, could begin in 2028. This was stated to reporters today by the Deputy Mayor for Investments, Lukáš Řádek (TOP 09). The renewal of the square is among the investment priorities of the city hall.

The city would like to select a designer this summer. According to Řádek, the city hall extended the deadline for processing documentation compared to initial plans to increase interest from designers in the contract. The costs for the project documentation of all stages are estimated by the city hall to be around 30 million crowns excluding VAT. The allocation of funds for the project acquisition will be approved by the councilors on January 28. The reconstruction of the square could, according to earlier estimates from the city hall, cost around 300 million crowns.

The renewal of the square, which is currently a large parking lot, has been in preparation by the city since 2007. However, due to objections from some residents, mainly concerning the proposed reduction in the number of parking spaces, construction has not started. The city leadership that emerged from the elections in 2022 decided to change the basic concept of the square reconstruction and incorporate new requirements. The updated urban study was received by the city from ARN Studio last November.

The study will serve as a basis for the project documentation developer. The study also includes the reconstruction of Komenského Street along the square, where new parking spaces should compensate for their loss in the square. Two rows of trees are planned for the square, along with water features. Instead of cobblestones, the square should be re-paved with cut paving stones. The center of the square should be dedicated to pedestrians.

"The square should primarily belong to the people; it should be a natural and pleasant center for their gatherings," said Mayor Pavlína Springerová (Hradec Democratic Club). A new feature will be two-way traffic on Mýtská Street and throughout the square. In V Kopečku Street, there will be a so-called shared zone with speed restrictions for cars.