Prague has again postponed the discussion on the reconstruction of the Clam-Gallas Palace

Prague - The council of the capital today once again postponed the discussion on the repair of the Clam-Gallas Palace, Mariánské Square, and the city hall building. The contract, worth approximately 789 million, was announced by the city last summer, but the city leadership has yet to confirm a winner. The main reason is the ongoing discussions about the budget, said CTK councilor for culture Lukáš Kaucký (CSSD). The city leadership does not yet know if they will have the funds for the reconstruction. Due to a lack of funding, they previously announced that the contract would be divided into several parts.
"Based on the coalition agreement, the item was withdrawn. Until the investment actions for next year and the following two to three years are clear, the mayor does not want to embark on such projects," Kaucký said.
The selection committee recommended early this year to name the company Subterra as the winner of the tender. However, the city leadership has postponed the final decision several times due to a lack of funds.
For this year, Prague has only 96 million crowns in the budget for these purposes, while the entire contract is expected to cost around 789 million. The city leadership has previously stated that due to a lack of funds, the contract will be divided into three phases. The baroque Clam-Gallas Palace, which is a protected monument, should be prioritized for repair. Its reconstruction is estimated to cost around 400 to 450 million.
The Clam-Gallas Palace was built at the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries and is considered an architectural gem by experts. According to the original plan, the reconstruction aims to correct inappropriate construction and technical interventions from past years. The interiors with rare stucco decorations and fresco paintings should be restored. Shops are to be established on the ground floor, and auctions could also take place here, while exhibitions are planned for the upper floors.
The further stages, during which the New Town Hall and Mariánské Square were supposed to be repaired according to the previous city leadership's plans, will likely be postponed due to a lack of funds. In particular, the modification of Mariánské Square has also drawn criticism. Scientists, for example, are concerned that the work could damage significant archaeological sites.