Prague is preparing a competition for the design of Malostranské Square

Prague - Prague will announce a design competition for the appearance and use of Malostranské náměstí in the historic part of the city. This was decided by the city council today. The results could be known by the end of summer, said Mayor Tomáš Hudeček (TOP 09) to ČTK. The city is responding, among other things, to the opposition of some people who are dissatisfied that the square serves as a parking lot.
    "Malostranské náměstí is an extremely important space in the city," said the mayor. "We need to engage in a broader discussion about it and not leave the decision-making to one official," he added.
    The Institute for Planning and Development has been assigned by the council to prepare the competition. The work will take about a month. The actual competition could be announced in June. It will last two to three months.
    People from the vicinity of the square have compiled a petition, under which they gathered 5,000 signatures. In it, they request, among other things, the removal of the parking lot and the launching of an architectural competition. According to Prague 1, the area should become a peaceful zone.
    The planned opening of the Blanka tunnel complex could also contribute to this. Prague is considering closing the passage through Malá Strana to transit traffic.