Horažďovice is preparing a reconstruction of the square

Horažďovice (Klatovsko) - Horažďovice in Klatovy is preparing for a large and long-discussed reconstruction of the square. This year, archaeologists are expected to explore the square space, and next year, as soon as the weather allows, the town hall should embark on the modifications of Mírové náměstí. According to plans, the repair of the central historical area is estimated to cost up to 70 million crowns, but the city leadership hopes that the amount could be reduced to 40 to 50 million crowns through the tender process, said the mayor of the town with five and a half thousand residents, Karel Zrůbek (ČSSD).
     The reconstruction of the square has been in preparation in Horažďovice for several years, with the town hall even having a study developed by experts. However, they eventually abandoned their proposal; residents did not like it because it accounted for more significant interventions into the character of the square. For example, the current park, which occupies almost two-thirds of the area, was to be removed.
     "Last year we dedicated ourselves to definitively clarifying what the square would look like. In the summer, we put the final touch to the public opinion survey, in which 87 percent of citizens expressed that they want the square to remain in its current architectural form," said the mayor. Despite preserving the greenery, the square is still expected to undergo changes that will affect the trees. "The greenery in the square was established 60 or 70 years ago, and it has not been systematically addressed since then. Moreover, the trees are nearing the end of their lifespan," noted Zrůbek.
     Plans therefore account for replacing the old and overgrown greenery with new species of trees that will be more suitable for the square. For instance, large conifers will be removed, and a row of pink hawthorns will be replaced by white hawthorns, while low-growing varieties of horse chestnuts will be planted in the green areas.
     The square urgently needs repairs. The concrete in some areas is crumbling and cracked. Road surfaces will be newly covered with paving. The city originally intended to use large stone slabs for part of the paving, as was done in the past. Some slabs are stored in a depot, and some are still in the sidewalks. However, it turned out that the historically valuable stone slabs cannot be used in the square in its planned form. They could potentially find use near the castle, said the mayor.
     In addition to the surface and greenery, the square's repair also includes the relocation of utilities. The town hall is seeking funding for the repair and its partial components, but it anticipates that repairs will commence even without it. "It will come from the town's budget; we currently do not see any grant title that could help us. We will try to raise funds throughout the process to alleviate the city treasury," added Zrůbek.