A pedestrian zone could be created near the former textile factory Perla in Ústí n. O

photo: Tomáš Kostka

Ústí nad Orlicí - In the vicinity of the former Perla company complex in the center of Ústí nad Orlicí, a pedestrian zone could be created that would connect to the quiet area near the square. This was proposed by one of the studies by architecture students who are collaborating with the city hall on the use of the former manufacturing plant. Representatives of political parties in the council also agreed on the quiet area, Mayor Petr Hájek (Association Oušťáci) told journalists today.
    The quiet part of the center would be expanded to include part of 17th November Street and Lochmanova Street. "At the corner of both streets, including the roundabout, there will be a calming of traffic, and de facto a pedestrian center will be created that will naturally connect our historic square with the area of Hernych's villa and Kociánky," the mayor stated.
    Mayor Hájek did not want to estimate the costs of creating another quiet zone for now. One of the possibilities for modifications is the demolition of the corner of Perla, where an entrance to the complex could be created, possibly even a passage through the area. Lochmanova Street is also to be modified, where an avenue of trees could be planted on one side.
    The strategically advantageous area 01 of the failed textile factory, which is eight times larger than the central square, was purchased by the city for 30 million crowns. The factory ceased production in 2009 and employed 400 people a year earlier.
    This year, the city aims to determine the purposes the area should serve in the future and what the city hall will invest and what will be left to private entities. Currently, part of the space is used as a parking lot, and some areas are leased by smaller entrepreneurs.
    The CzechInvest agency also promised to assist Ústí with the revitalization of the area. A list of buildings and engineering networks will be processed with state funds.