Přerov will once again seek a way to transform the central square

Přerov - Přerov City Council today, after several hours of debate, rejected the project for a major transformation of part of TGM Square, according to which a new municipal complex with offices, a library, and garages worth 300 million crowns was to be built in the city center. The councilors unanimously resolved that the city will have new terms of reference prepared. The project for the redesign of the square, which the city has been planning for ten years, thus returns to the beginning.
    "The resolution proposal was created based on an agreement of all political clubs," said the mayor of Přerov, Jiří Lajtoch (ČSSD). "We should not build a palace for the town hall; it is essential to resolve this part of the square for future generations," added the mayor.
    According to the original proposal, the new municipal complex was to be located next to the current city hall in the western part of the square, on the site of two old buildings. In addition to municipal officials, the library was also to find its home here, and there should be space for commercial premises, such as galleries, reception areas, and shops. The plan included two levels of underground parking. The construction costs for the complex were estimated by city representatives at 300 million crowns.
    However, not only many residents of Přerov at the public hearing rejected the design, but so did many councilors. During today's discussion, mixed opinions were heard. Some opposed the construction of underground garages, while others disliked that the character of the buildings would not be preserved. Some councilors advocated starting from the existing project, which would be merely adjusted. "It is essential to open up the space, demolish what is necessary because it obstructs. There is a dead, unused space there," stated councilor Radovan Rašťák (ČSSD), for example.
    For example, the head of the development department of the Přerov city hall, Pavel Gala, pointed out to the councilors that the existing project, which they ultimately rejected, along with issuing the zoning decision, has already cost the city 2.6 million crowns. He urged the councilors to base their plans on the current architectural competition, albeit in an adjusted form, rather than announcing a new competition.
    However, the councilors ultimately leaned towards a completely new brief that should maintain the current character of the buildings. However, they could not answer the question of whether this means demolition or preservation of the existing structures.
    The redesign of the southern part of the square has been planned by the Přerov city hall for more than ten years. The city has even prepared studies, but the plans were ultimately postponed due to extensive floods in 1997.