Pardubice approved the plan for the renewal of Republic Square

Pardubice - The City of Pardubice will continue preparations for the renewal of Republic Square. In the first phase, it plans to modernize the section near St. Bartholomew's Church. Today, councilors approved the intention and project work. They had some reservations about the architectural study.

The study proposes the removal of the lawn near the fallen soldiers' memorial, which will not occupy as much space, but there will be more planted trees, benches, and a fountain. "A total disaster. All the grass and flowerbeds will be replaced with concrete," stated opposition councilor Filip Sedlák (Our Pardubice).

The entire space is to be enlarged in favor of pedestrians, as buses will not park in the bay but on the road. One bus bay near the theater is to be removed. "From Sukova Street, there would be one bus stop where all buses and trolleybuses would stop; effectively, a bus lane would be created there, which would significantly impact traffic capacity," stated opposition councilor Petr Kvaš (ODS).

The city also plans to demolish the above-ground parts of the underpass, which has been closed since 2016 due to its state of disrepair. According to Sedlák, a underpass would improve the traffic situation, and Republic Square would belong to pedestrians. "The old town is separated by a four-lane road. An underpass would greatly enhance the quality of the space," said Sedlák. Coalition councilor Martin Charvát (ANO) responded by saying that investing in the past was considered. He mentioned that it would have cost 260 million crowns back then, and now it would be estimated at half a billion crowns.

The study also suggests the removal of parking spaces near the church. The councilors devoted a considerable amount of time to the parking situation. "If you want to make a square for people, someone has to give it up, and if it's cars, that doesn't bother me at all," said opposition councilor Robert Hrdina (Greens for Pirates).

The architectural study is a basis and does not determine the final appearance of the space. "We will not be able to answer all the questions raised without selecting a designer. The project will return to the council for approval; we are now approving the intention, it is not definitive," said councilor Martin Charvát (ANO).

"I personally consider this to be the first phase; we will also address the space in front of the Grand, as it is really terrible," said Mayor Jan Nadrchal (ANO). The costs for the first phase will be around 40 to 60 million crowns, he added.