The reconstruction of Wenceslas Square was complicated by an objection

Prague - The ongoing reconstruction of the lower part of Wenceslas Square has been complicated by an objection regarding the so-called systemic bias, which was submitted by a civic association. It concerns the felling of trees. The information was reported by the server Pražský patriot and confirmed by the spokesperson of the city hall, Vít Hofman. According to him, the complications will likely entail higher costs, which the city might seek from the association.

The server stated that the objection was filed by the Tilia Thákurova association, which opposes the planned tree felling. The objection of systemic bias is filed against specific individuals due to suspicion that the decision in an administrative matter was not impartial. According to the server, this concerns not only the officials of the city hall and Prague 1 but also the mayor of the first district, Petr Hejna (STAN), and the mayor, Zdeněk Hřib (Pirates).

According to Hofman, the city hall consulted the association on the square's reconstruction. "Based on the requests of this association, we created all assessments, changed the types of trees, and met all other requirements; nevertheless, the association filed objections regarding bias,” he stated. He added that the trees will now need to be enclosed so that work can continue. "According to our assessments, we know that these trees do not have a long-term perspective and will eventually need to be replaced in the coming years,” he added.

The objection, according to him, will significantly complicate and increase the cost of the construction. "The city may then consider defending itself in the event of damage," he stated. He added that an archaeological survey is currently being conducted in the square. Following this, work on the engineering networks should begin.

The reconstruction, which involves a part of the square from Můstek to the mouth of Vodičkova and Jindřišská streets, was initiated by the city at the end of April after years of discussions. The repair will cost 330 million CZK and is expected to be completed in 2021. Its foundation is a project from the architectural office Cigler Marani Architects, which was created back in 2005. In the future, the upper part of the square will also be repaired, with plans for trams to return, according to the city's management.