Pardubice is preparing a transformation of Republic Square in the city center

Pardubice - In a few years, Pardubice will repair and transform part of the Republic Square, which is located in the center near the historical zone. The transformation will include greenery and parking near the Green Gate, the church, the underpass, and the bank. The city hall wants to involve the public to contribute ideas, the municipality stated in a press release.

"Given that this is an area with great potential and falls within the city’s historical preservation zone, it will be necessary to consider historical and cultural values as well. Our goal is to visually unify the space, which will also include the compositional and material integration of the area," said Mayor Jan Nadrchal (ANO).

Currently, the furnishings in the area are inadequate, there is an unused lawn near the war victims' memorial, and there are parking spaces at the foot of the church. The study proposes to remove these elements, plant new greenery, and acquire new and more functional furnishings to create a relaxation zone. The area is intended mainly for pedestrians, cyclists, and the public.

"Unfortunately, motor traffic currently prevails there. We believe that by carefully cleansing and cultivating this historically valuable site, we can create a clear, safe, and more accessible public space complemented by quality meaningful greenery," said architect Matěj Šebek.

On February 14, the city hall and the architect team will also ask residents for their opinions at a public meeting. It will start at 5:00 PM at the Republic Square. Participants will then move to the community hall of the city hall.

"We want to know what citizens perceive as positive or negative in this area, and what their vision of the future shape of this site is. All observations will be marked directly on the map by the participants. The conclusions from the meeting will then be assessed in terms of relevance," Nadrchal said.

The final design of the building should be completed by the middle of this year. The city will seek European subsidies from the ITI Hradec-Pardubice agglomeration, or possibly some state subsidies, the mayor added.