The first modifications as part of the revitalization of Karlovo náměstí will begin in the spring

Prague - The first adjustments as part of the revitalization of Karlovo Náměstí will begin next year and will cost approximately 30 million crowns. Today, the representatives of the capital city decided that along with the planned reconstruction of the tram tracks, adjustments to the square will also commence.
    "The revitalization of Karlovo Náměstí has several stages. In this first stage, we are dealing with relatively cosmetic adjustments," said Mayor Tomáš Hudeček (TOP 09), who presented the material to the representatives.
    The tram tracks will be repaired on the western edge of the square in the section between the mouth of Spálená Street and Moráni. The biggest transformation of the square will take place at the intersection of Karlovo Náměstí with Rösslová Street. Here, new pedestrian crossings will be added in all directions, and the traffic light system will be newly adjusted. The changes should not affect tram traffic and should not cause traffic jams. Pedestrians will find it easier to cross from one side of the intersection to the other.
    A new crossing is also planned near the tram stop heading towards the city center, opposite the glass administrative building at the corner with Rösslová Street. Another new crossing will be in front of the polyclinic and also not far from Faust's House.
    At the intersection with Žitná Street in the northeastern part of the square, driving lanes will be reduced, and the alignment of cars will change. The edges of the sidewalks will also be adjusted. The western side of the park should open up to people with a new staircase along its entire length, making it easier to connect the park with the stops and improving accessibility.
    The revitalization of Karlovo Náměstí is set to continue in the following years, according to the plan of the Prague City Development Authority, costing a total of 250 million crowns - the original plan estimated the amount at roughly half a billion. Among other things, paths within the park will be adjusted, the corners of the park will be expanded, and the area in front of St. Ignatius Church will be modified.
    The park has only been modified once before, in 1998, at the New Town Hall. At that time, ecologists and residents of Prague 2 protested against extensive tree felling. In 2008, the town hall held an architectural competition, in which a winning design was selected, but it was opposed by heritage conservationists.
    Karlovo Náměstí, previously known as Cattle Market, measures 510 meters in length and 130 meters in width. The total area is over 80,550 square meters.