<div>Nový Jičín has prepared the renovation of the square, and is now looking for funding</div>

Ostrava - Nový Jičín is preparing for a planned extensive reconstruction of Masaryk Square. They are currently trying to find funds to finance the whole project, which is expected to cost over 59 million crowns, as the city would rather not cover the repairs solely from its own resources, said Iva Vašendová, spokesperson for the city hall, to ČTK.
    The city already has a building permit and is currently completing the project documentation and preparing the conditions for the tender. They have also requested assistance from the Ministry for Regional Development, from which they want over 19.5 million crowns for the first phase of the reconstruction. "The city is still waiting for the final result, which will be known in August of this year. Currently, the project is first on the reserve list, but negotiations are still ongoing," said Jiří Plandor, head of the city's development department. If the city manages to obtain the subsidy, it would start reconstruction already this September. For the second phase of the reconstruction, the city would then submit an application next year, when it would again apply to the Ministry for Regional Development or try to obtain funds from the European Union.
    The second financing option is to use funds from the state budget, covering the entire reconstruction cost. The city already submitted an application for this subsidy in May and is expected to learn the results in November this year. Nový Jičín has prepared other options, which include, for example, obtaining a subsidy from the European Union, where the city would apply not only for funds for the square's repair but also for other activities, such as the construction of underground garages or its own financing of the entire project, which the management considers the least favorable.
    During the reconstruction, everything will be repaired except for the buildings, so there will be new paving in the square, sidewalks, steps to the arcade, their paving, and lighting will be repaired. A detailed graphic design of the reconstruction can be viewed by interested parties on the city’s website www.novyjicin.cz.