The major renovation of Jiří z Poděbrad Square will probably take place in 2021

Prague - A major renovation of Jiří z Poděbrad Square could take place in 2021 and will be based on the original project that was created at the turn of the millennium. The Czech News Agency was informed today by the chairman of the urban development committees of Prague 3, Matěj Michalk Žaloudek (Greens), as the city district representatives decided on it on Tuesday. The original project will be adjusted by the city hall based on public suggestions that have been collected in recent months. The reconstruction of the square previously provoked turbulent reactions in Prague 3, and the previous city hall leadership halted the preparation of adjustments according to the original project.

According to Žaloudek, the city hall will now collaborate with architects on modifying the original project. A fundamental aspect, according to him, is, for example, the placement of farmers' markets, for which sufficient parking space needs to be ensured. The future of the metro ventilation shaft is also being addressed, which many people find unsightly; however, part of the residents advocates for its preservation. Žaloudek stated that no decision has been made yet, and the architects will be tasked with examining the possibilities of how to deal with the shaft - whether to repair it, redesign it, or replace it.

According to a summary that is part of the document approved by the council, the markets should move eastward based on public suggestions, and sidewalks on the north side of the square should be widened and more trees added. The original design also includes retaining the fountain in a similar location as before. During the reconstruction, it will only be shifted to allow for a new path and a tree-lined avenue beside it. More trees should generally be added, although some will need to be cut down.

Žaloudek further told the Czech News Agency that the city hall would like to complete the entire investment in 2021, as dividing it into multiple phases would complicate the functioning of the square and the farmers' markets. A memorandum exists regarding co-financing by Prague, which was signed by the previous political representatives. "We have confirmed that the memorandum is still valid," Žaloudek said.

The long-prepared project for the reconstruction of the square evokes emotions among the residents of Prague 3. There has been significant opposition to the removal of the fountain, based on which the city hall once adjusted the project in 2014. Even then, however, the politicians could not agree on the final form of the adjustments, and last April, the representatives terminated the project. A series of individual adjustments was supposed to replace the comprehensive reconstruction. The current coalition of TOP 09 and STAN, Pirates, and Greens stated after the elections that it would consider both options.