On Malostranské Square, after the parking lot is removed, there will be chairs and umbrellas

Prague - There will be chairs and umbrellas on Malostranské náměstí after the parking lot is removed, possibly a mobile café. The city council will choose a program coordinator. Mayor Adriana Krnáčová (ANO) told journalists today. After a long discussion, Prague is abolishing the parking lot, which occupied most of the square, by July 1. The city wants to organize a picnic celebration, added the mayor's deputy Petra Kolínská (SZ/Trojkoalice). They said this after today's meeting of associations and self-government about the future of the square.

According to the mayor's vision, it is necessary to first clean the square after the removal of the parking lot, then portable chairs and tables, umbrellas, and several potted trees will be installed. One plane tree that grows in the square will be complemented.

Local residents' associations mainly call for the calming of the space. According to the mayor's deputy Petra Dolínek (ČSSD), this has largely been achieved after the opening of the Blanka tunnel. According to Krnáčová, it is primarily necessary to cultivate the square. It could also serve students from the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, which is located in the square.

For theatrical or musical performances, the place is not very suitable according to Krnáčová. "There isn't much space for loud production here, because a tram passes by every few minutes," she added.

The topic of Malostranské náměstí will also be on the agenda of the council's meeting on Tuesday. It should start looking for its coordinator. "Malostranská beseda wants to be the coordinator. I think it should not be one association, but an independent person who would coordinate all associations," said Krnáčová.

An expert jury selected the proposal of architects Martin Hájek, Václav Hájek, and Petr Horský in the international architectural competition in September 2014. The magistrate's department of technical equipment is now finalizing the regeneration study, which must subsequently be discussed and approved by Prague councilors.

Some MPs, including Roman Váňa from ČSSD and František Laudát (TOP 09), previously opposed the abolition of the parking lot located near the Chamber of Deputies.

In addition to Malostranské náměstí, Prague wants to terminate contracts with other tenants of paid parking lots. This concerns more than 90 locations in total. The reason is the low rental prices. According to Dolínek, locations such as Senovážné náměstí or the parking lot on Alšovo nábřeží are being considered.