Main Architect: Brno may have a land use plan shortly after 2020

Brno - If Brno decides to continue with the developed urban plan and not create a new one, according to city architect Michal Sedláček, it could be completed shortly after the year 2020. Sedláček, who is the director of the Office of the City Architect of Brno (KAM), said this to journalists today. The construction law mandates that cities create a new urban plan by the end of 2020. The second option that the city leadership is considering is working on a new urban plan.

Regardless of the city's decision, however, a contributory organization established a year ago has begun working on the future shape of the city, and its work will be applicable for both the new urban plan and the continuation of the one that was interrupted four years ago.

KAM has already developed a spatial vision for the city; its members have debated with politicians and people from building offices in all city parts except Slatina, which they will visit in the coming days. In May and June, they will tour the city again and engage in discussions with the public. "We want people to know what an urban plan is, what they can expect from it, and what they can expect from us," said Sedláček. KAM is now preparing to create a conceptual drawing that will show the purposes for which different areas will serve.

If the city does not have an urban plan, it can only develop within the boundaries set by maps from 1966, and new buildings will be decided upon solely by building authorities.

According to Sedláček, it is very difficult to reach an agreement in Brno. "Everyone defends their own interests. Therefore, it is necessary to bring together visions; we have organized discussions with people from various interest groups,” said Sedláček. He felt positive after meetings with politicians in the city parts. "They are glad that we communicate with them. However, it often reflects in their perspective that while most agree the city must develop, they would prefer it not to happen in their area. Therefore, we are trying to find an agreement, and it is necessary to look at the citywide interest, which outweighs the interest of the city part," stated Sedláček, who would like to be able to say in the future that a new urban plan has been created for him.

When he took office, he faced criticism from some current and former politicians that he was an extended arm of Deputy Martin Ander (SZ). "I did not know the situation in Brno and did not understand it. However, no one is applying and has applied pressure on us, and we communicate with everyone to bridge our activities into the next electoral term,” said Sedláček.

In addition to the urban plan, KAM organizes urban and architectural competitions and aims to improve public spaces in the city parts. "The center of Brno has already become incredibly lively, and we would like the city parts to come alive as well. We have made a list of public spaces to somehow stimulate change, and we are also preparing a sort of cookbook for those who would like to enliven public squares themselves," said Sedláček.