<div>Jehlička and Bém plan the repair of Klementinum</div>

Prague - The reconstruction of Klementinum, which has hitherto been discussed mainly in connection with the need for new spaces for the National Library (NK), is being planned jointly by the Ministry of Culture and the Prague City Hall. They are also considering the possibilities of utilizing the surrounding historical buildings. There are potential changes to transportation in the adjacent streets being considered so that some areas of Klementinum can be more opened to the public, the City Hall informed ČTK today after a meeting between Prague Mayor Pavel Bém (ODS) and Culture Minister Václav Jehlička (KDU-ČSL).
    Within two months, a project study including a budget will be created, prepared by a commission of experts in the fields of architecture, heritage conservation, and representatives from Prague and the ministry. The first meeting of the commission will be next Wednesday, said the director of the NK Pavel Hazuka, who chairs it, to ČTK.
    The revitalization of Klementinum has been discussed mainly in connection with the recent competition for the construction of a new NK building, which is based in the extensive Baroque complex. Some work on the building's reconstruction began during the tenure of the former NK director Vlastimil Ježek. However, he repeated that the largest phase of Klementinum's reconstruction may occur only after the relocation of modern collections to the new building.
    For the construction of the new building, a design arising from the architectural competition was considered, but there is currently no political will in Prague. The government also cites the reconstruction of Klementinum as its priority in this area. Ježek's successor, Pavel Hazuka, did not rule out the possibility of a new facility but also started preparing the reconstruction of Klementinum.
    Today, the mayor also proposed linking the reconstruction of Klementinum with a possible change in traffic in the area of Křižovnická and Platnéřská streets, which would in the future allow for a greater opening of the spaces of Klementinum and Mariánské náměstí. Bém wants to seek greater utilization not only of the spaces of Klementinum but also of Mariánské náměstí and the New Town Hall, as well as the mayor's residence.
    A more ambitious step would be the mayor's idea to lower the traffic in the area of Křižovnická street and Karlovy lázně below ground level. According to him, this possibility has already been considered several times. If surface transport were to be moved below ground level, an immensely attractive public space would be created in the city's most exposed historical area, stated the mayor.
    City and ministry representatives also discussed today a joint project to build a new central depository and archive for the use of organizations established by Prague. According to Bém, it would mean not only reduced costs but, above all, permanent user comfort for people studying the documents.