The Semily Town Hall is preparing with the citizens a redesign of the square and the cinema

Semily - The Semily Town Hall is preparing extensive modifications to Riegrovo Square and the Jitřenka cinema. The plan, which has become the city's main priority, has involved public participation. Suggestions from residents will be included by the architect in his project. The total costs for the transformation of the city center are expected to reach around 50 million crowns. The town hall aims to contribute about eight million, while the remaining funds will be sought from the state through the regional operational program for the renewal of parts of cities. The mayor, Jan Farský, told journalists today.
    "We want to have the project ready so that we can apply for the subsidy among the first this summer," he added. Construction will take place this year and the next. According to Farský, the square needs an overall aesthetic improvement. It should be transformed from a parking space into a meeting place. "We plan to modify the furniture and have plenty of greenery," said the mayor. Following the architect's recommendation, the square's paving will also be replaced with granite as it was in the past.
    People will have the opportunity to express their opinions on the new vision of the square during two public discussions of the proposals. The city has also set up a discussion about the project on its website. "Citizens have already alerted us to a number of technical issues that we hadn’t realized ourselves. They have discussed, for example, the placement of the Christmas tree or the organization of fairs," said the mayor.
    In the municipal cinema Jitřenka, which had to close three years ago due to poor conditions, the renovation will create a space for a library, café, and music club. The cinema hall will be versatile, also usable as a theater or for organizing concerts.
    The first phase of the reconstruction of Riegrovo Square was completed two months ago. Part of the paving was replaced, and a modern concrete fountain was built. It cost 7.5 million crowns, 90 percent of which was funded by the state.