Třebíč planted more trees in Karlovo náměstí, despite the objections of the conservationists

Třebíč – In the repair of Karlovo náměstí, Třebíč decided not to follow the agreement with heritage preservationists and to plant more trees in the square than the repair project allows. According to the mayor of the city, Pavel Pacal (For Třebíč), this is a necessary "rebellion" aimed at ensuring a better environment in the square, more shade, and better climate. The National Heritage Institute (NPÚ) in Telč stated that the placement of greenery in the square should respect the approved project documentation. The two-year reconstruction of the square began last year.

One of the initial variants of the repair included more trees, which, however, did not receive permission from the heritage preservationists, said Pacal. "We simply think that it must be there. We tried various options to negotiate with the heritage preservationists. If nothing helped amicably, then we had to rebel a little, because we all realize how times are changing, what climate change looks like, and how public space simply needs greenery and shade. And if someone does not want to understand this, then we do not want to miss this opportunity for the revitalization of the square, which does not happen every week, perhaps once every 50 or 100 years,” he added.

Greenery is an important part of the reconstruction of Třebíč's square, but it is important to respect its placement in the approved project documentation for the building permit, stated NPÚ in Telč in a statement provided to ČTK by its spokesperson Ilona Ampapová. "In contrast to the historical appearance of the square, there has been a change in the species of trees at the city's request, as well as the addition of a solitary tree with seating in the eastern part, the expansion of the group of trees around the statue of Saints Cyril and Methodius closer to the benches, and the creation of resting terraces on the south side, which are adapted for flower beds, not for tree roots. The concept of greenery corresponded with the placement of two new water features, one of which, the modern fountain, resulted from an architectural competition, where the assignment assumed a significantly different spatial context than what is now spontaneously emerging,” the preservationists wrote. According to them, the reconstruction fundamentally deviates from the meticulously approved project in terms of the design of greenery.

The city has been discussing the revitalization of Karlovo náměstí with the NPÚ since 2013. The final project, including the planting solution, went through territorial proceedings in 2019 and building proceedings last year. The renovation of the square, which covers more than two hectares, is expected to be completed by September next year.

The costs for the greenery planted in violation of the approved documentation in the western part of the square are part of an addendum to the contract, which raises the cost of the square's renovation to about 113 million crowns excluding VAT. Originally, the price was 103 million crowns excluding VAT. It has been increased several times, most recently by about 800,000 crowns. According to Pacal, this increase includes not only the greenery but also an expanded archaeological survey or adjustments to the road's substructure.