New Bor is preparing to renovate the square

Nový Bor - Nový Bor in the Českolipsko region is preparing to renovate the square with costs estimated at 20 million crowns. The current unsightly parking lot is set to be transformed into a dignified square featuring greenery, benches, and a piece of artwork at its center. The number of parking spaces will decrease. The city council has already selected a sculpture that will adorn the center of the square; the winning work by Prague architects Gabriela Králová and Lucie Chroustová, titled "Po fajrumtu," references both the glass-making past and present of the city. This was reported today by city hall spokeswoman Radmila Pokorná.

Nový Bor, with its 12,000 residents, is the fifth largest city in the Liberec region. The revitalization of the center has been in progress for several years. "For the previous stages of revitalization of the historical center of the city, such as the park on the square, the reconstruction of Kalinova Street, or the area in front of the so-called Lužické houses, we managed to save from our own budget. However, the current investment is high, and the city will have to incur debt. The final loan amount will depend on the total cost," said Deputy Mayor Stanislava Silná (SNK ED - Nový Nový Bor).

The city hall plans to start the reconstruction of Míru Square this summer. The area will be transformed into a resting place with benches and mature trees according to the approved study. "The decrease in parking spaces will be compensated by a new parking lot at the intersection of T.G.M. and Wolkerova streets, with construction planned in the coming months in connection with the start of the regeneration of the Husova - Jiráskova housing estate. Both projects will require around 25 million crowns," added Pokorná.

The center of the new square will be revitalized with a piece of artwork, for which an anonymous art competition was announced at the end of last year. 25 candidates applied. A six-member jury composed mainly of experts decided on the winner. The winning sculpture takes the form of an open glass-making rotating mold, consisting of a tall column of charred beech wood rising from a calm water surface with a mirror and a long connecting bench.

"The jury appreciated the clear and expressive composition of the winning design, which tells a distinct story - a glass workshop from daily glass-making work. They deemed the design suitable for public urban space and also praised the use of the water feature," said Miroslav Jeništa, head of the city development department, regarding the winning proposal. The public will be able to view the designs at an exhibition in the Navrátil Hall, which the city hall is preparing.