In the survey regarding the transformation of the Brno locality Ponava, about 1700 people expressed their opinions

Brno - Approximately 1,700 people expressed their opinions on how the area including the former sports complex Za Lužánkami in Brno should be transformed. The higher number of participants than usual for surveys is largely due to the city's significant location with high value and development potential. Jan Tesárek, the director of the Office of the Architect of the City of Brno (KAM), stated this today.

The Ponava area spans over 27 hectares, which currently includes a swimming pool and a football field. Its development will also be facilitated by the planned demolition of parts of the dilapidated stadium.

People could express their opinions in the survey from mid-September to October 20. Additionally, KAM organized a walk and a public meeting with city representatives and experts, which about 50 people attended. "A similar number of participants engaged in the participatory activity as in the past. However, the online survey was filled out by more respondents than, for instance, in our last two surveys related to the announcement of architectural competitions,” Tesárek mentioned. Brno has about 400,000 inhabitants.

A multifunctional sports facility including a speed skating track was to be created in the area. However, in April, the council decided to terminate the project. For part of the area, the city proposed a change in the new zoning plan to a mixed-use residential area, allowing a wide range of uses. Through the questionnaire, people could express whether the area should serve for housing, leisure activities, or cultural purposes.

Tesárek expects that KAM will evaluate the survey by the second half of November. The aim is to have the results available to the teams participating in the competitive dialogue. From there, a territorial study will emerge with a vision for the transformation of Ponava. The competitive dialogue allows the involvement of all important stakeholders in the area and the use of experiences and opinions from several teams composed of urban planners, landscape architects, and other specialists.

According to Tesárek, detailed conceptual material is currently hindering the development of Ponava. "It should be a well-functioning part of Brno that integrates naturally into the area. It will create a well-connected space linking Lužánky Park with the Planýrka area, be suitably connected to the existing transport system, and also meet current environmental requirements. Most importantly, it will provide a mix of functions, from a public sports park to other sports facilities that fulfill the legacy of "sports at Lužánkami" to housing with an appropriate level of public amenities. Everything should be connected by quality street and public spaces designed on a pedestrian scale,” the director added. According to him, the territorial study could be completed by 2026.