<p>Prague will build a connection at Malostranské Square and improve cleaning.</p>

Prague - Prague will set up an electric connection in the former parking lot at Malostranské Square, improve cleaning, and simplify applications for permits for cultural and social events. This follows from an analysis of the current operation of the square, which was discussed today by Prague councilors. The parking lot at the square was abolished by Prague on July 1 last year, and since then social events have been held there, and chairs and tables have been placed around. Some MPs complained about the cancellation of the parking lot.

"The biggest problem is with the electricity supply, because there is no connection built there, and it has to be complicatedly dragged with cables that then get in the way," said Deputy Mayor Petra Kolínská (Green Party/Coalition). She did not specify when the connection should be built.

The rules for organizing events should also be updated. According to Kolínská, the complicated bureaucratic process discourages many organizers or they are unable to navigate it. "We have noted many interested parties who give up on the idea of organizing an event due to the various permits, so it is necessary to simplify the administrative process of the permit procedure," she added. An internet page for organizers should be created, among other things.

Cleaning of the former parking lot should also improve. "We have already recommended to the Institute of Planning and Development (IPR) and the Technical Administration of Communications (TSK) to clean more," said Kolínská. Fees for non-profit cultural and leisure activities should be abolished, and the project with chairs and tables will continue.

In 2014, the city selected the winner of the architectural competition for the use of the square. It is now finalizing the materials that the councilors should discuss by the end of June, instructing the competition winner to start the necessary work to obtain a building permit. "We are also negotiating with the police and Prague 1 about the traffic regime, which affects how much space will be available for pedestrians or how level the area will be. I believe that we will conclude these negotiations by the beginning of the holidays," said Kolínská.

In September 2014, an expert jury in the international architectural competition selected the proposal by architects Martin Hájek, Václav Hájek, and Petr Horsky for the reconstruction of the square. The architects proposed to unify the space, reduce the number of parking spaces, and add seating and a place for a sculpture and a fountain. By announcing the competition, the city responded to pressure from people who did not like the appearance of the square filled with cars.