The project for the reconstruction of Peace Square in Zlín will be completed at the turn of 2023 and 2024

Zlín – The project for the planned reconstruction of Míru Square in the center of Zlín should be completed, including the building permit, at the turn of 2023 and 2024. After that, it will be up to the city leadership to decide whether to proceed with the reconstruction. It is a large project, and the costs could range from 300 to 400 million crowns, said the mayor of Zlín, Jiří Korec (ANO), during a discussion with citizens about the project on Monday evening.

Part of the square's renovation should also include the construction of an underground parking facility with about 220 spaces. The parking lot is estimated to cost 250 million crowns, with the remainder allocated to other aspects of the renovation. "At the moment, the city has saved 500 million crowns that were prepared for the winter stadium, and it will be up to future leadership to decide where to allocate the funds. There will also be an effort to secure external funding," Korec stated.

Three years ago, the Brno-based studio P.P. Architects won the competition for the design of the square's renovation. According to architect Pavel Pekár, the plans include the restoration of the square's paving as well as the nearby area in front of the church and the adjacent streets of Bartošova and Rašínova. On the side of the square near T. Bati Avenue, there should be a passage pavilion with a green roof, which will feature a stage for cultural events and can also serve as a bistro garden. The pavilion will also house an information center, currently located in the town hall. A new dominant element of the square is planned to be a fountain, which the architects have dubbed a water theater.

Due to the construction of the underground parking facility, four linden trees standing in the middle of the square are to be cut down. Some city residents, especially seniors and representatives of ecological organizations, voiced their opposition to the tree removal during the discussion. They argued that it is unnecessary to cut down mature trees and expressed concerns about increased temperatures in the square and the large paved area. However, the proposal's creators plan to plant trees along the square. According to them, the greenery will be doubled compared to the current state. According to the architects, the square should serve social activities, and the cultivation of the space should revitalize the square and the surrounding streets.

City residents were also interested in the possibility of building the underground parking facility in another location in the city center. According to Korec, a site beneath the church was considered, but it is too small. The parish meadow was also a consideration, but according to the mayor, it is a valuable area that could be utilized in the future. Another option was the parking area on Gahurová Street, which is farther from the center, for example, from the theater. Míru Square was assessed by the mayor as the most suitable location. The underground parking facility beneath the square is expected to offer double the number of spaces compared to what is available on the surface. Parking spaces beneath the church and on Bartošova Street will disappear, creating a pedestrian and relaxation zone.