Prague has selected a contractor for the project of renovating Malostranské náměstí

Prague - Prague has selected the company that will prepare the project documentation for the modifications of Malostranské náměstí. It is Atelier Hájek, which won an international architectural competition for the design of the square's renewal nearly three years ago. The decision to assign the contract was made today by Prague's city councilors. The preparation of documentation will cost the city approximately 20.2 million crowns including VAT. The city has also reached an agreement with Prague 1 regarding the traffic modifications of the square.

"We want to have a building permit available no later than before the summer holidays next year," said Deputy Mayor for Urban Development Petra Kolínská (Green Party/Triple Coalition). The start of the work is expected in the second half of next year.

Prague has had the architectural study for the square's renewal by architects Martin Hájek, Václav Hájek, and Petr Horsky since 2014. According to the contract approved today, the preparation of the project documentation is expected to take approximately three months. Ideally, the issuing of the land decision and building permit should take another six months.

The architects' competition proposal included the unification of public space and a reduction in the number of parking spaces, the addition of seating areas, and the creation of a place for a sculpture and a fountain. By announcing the competition, the city responded to pressure from people who disliked the appearance of the square. Since then, Prague has removed parking lots from the square and has been hosting cultural and social events there.

The city plans to limit car traffic in the square as well. According to Kolínská, the city managed to agree with the Prague 1 municipality on the form of subsequent traffic measures. "The movement of cars, in terms of directions, will remain as we know it today, but there will be a reduction in the number of lanes in the lower part, and the freed space will be gained by pedestrians," the deputy described. She added that a portion of Nerudova Street in front of the church will be designated as a pedestrian or recreational zone, and a crosswalk will be added near Malostranská Beseda. "The busiest pedestrian route from Mostecká Street will be adjusted so that cars can access the intersection, while pedestrians will also have more space," Kolínská concluded.

The city also plans to calm traffic around Klárov, and Prague 1 aims to do the same in the Újezd area.