The Plzeň main train station will be beautified by the end of next year

Photo: Norbert Aepli

Plzeň - Repairs of the over 100-year-old building of the main train station in Plzeň will cost nearly 20 million crowns. They began in May and will be completed by the end of 2012. The aim of the work, which Czech Railways (ČD) is consulting with heritage preservationists, is to improve the condition of the cultural monument and simultaneously enhance the environment for passengers, said ČTK regional spokesperson for ČD, Radka Pistoriusová. Construction work is taking place during full operation, causing only partial restrictions for passengers while moving through the halls.
    "The work on the facade from the outside is finished, the replacement of old windows is ongoing," the spokesperson stated. On the northern, southern, and western sides of the building, the facade at the level of the first above-ground floor, i.e. the platforms, has already been repaired, and the eastern facade has been completely renovated. The main western facade of the monumentally protected Art Nouveau building largely received a new facade back in 1995.
    Work has now begun on the interior plastering in the lower hall, which will be completely repainted and period stucco elements will also be restored there. Repairs will bring limitations for passengers, even though work is also being done at night. They are expected to be completed by mid-March next year.
    The laying of a new replica of the historical pavement inside the lower vestibule is planned for March and April. In the upper hall, only partial sections of the pavement will be restored. "On the eastern side, areas related to the building have been modified and interlocking paving has been laid there," said Jiří Stuna, director of the regional property management of ČD. Previously, there were food stalls. Instead, a sales window will be created from the current restaurant. Protective measures against pigeons, such as nets and spikes, are also being installed.
    ČD does not have enough money for a complete reconstruction of the station building, which would cost at least 700 million crowns. After years of futile efforts, they stopped looking for a strategic partner for the station’s restoration and decided to gradually revitalize it themselves according to their financial capabilities.
    Last month, another state company, the Administration of Railways and Transport Routes, began reconstructing the railway hub at the station, which is part of the corridor being built from Prague to Cheb. In the first phase, parts towards Domažlice and Cheb will be reconstructed, which will also include 1400 meters of new platforms and underpasses. From 2013 to 2015, the next phase will follow in the western part towards Prague, and the station itself will also undergo reconstruction.