The Grand Square in Hradec will be restored according to the design of architect Krejčík

Hradec Králové - The historic Velké náměstí in the center of Hradec Králové will be renovated according to the proposal by ARN studio, architect Jiří Krejčík. This was decided today by the city councilors, effectively starting the challenging reconstruction project of the square, said Václav Svoboda, spokesman for the city hall. The cost of the repair is estimated at 160 million crowns. If everything goes smoothly, the reconstruction could begin in the spring of 2011.
    Four architectural firms submitted proposals for the renovation of the square. In addition to Krejčík, the proposal by architect Roman Koucký was the most favored. The expert jury recommended Koucký’s proposal, while the city council preferred Krejčík’s design. Ultimately, the councilors unanimously leaned toward Krejčík’s proposal. In an online poll conducted by the city hall among residents, Koucký also won.
    Krejčík’s proposal envisions the reconstruction of the square as one paved area without height divisions. The square is divided into a lively part with parking, arcades, and restaurants, and a quieter relaxation area dominated by ecclesiastical buildings on the southern side of the square. According to the councilors, Krejčík’s proposal better accounts for the use of the square for cultural and other events. "Krejčík’s proposal will now be developed into further stages of project documentation," Svoboda said.
    Currently, Velké náměstí mainly serves as a parking lot for about 250 cars. The center is asphalted, the paving around its perimeter is in poor condition. The city estimates that after the repair, the number of parking spaces will decrease to about half.
    Preparations for the construction will be quite complicated, as the reconstruction will affect many property owners and buildings in the square. An archaeological survey will also be necessary. The city will need to coordinate the timeline of the repairs with energy companies and waterworks, which will also be repairing their networks beneath the square.
    The city hall in Hradec will invest significant sums into the repairs of the square. The summer before last, it completed repairs to the Malé náměstí in the historic center of the city, costing over 40 million crowns. Last year, builders completed modifications to Riegrovo náměstí in front of the Czech Railways station for over 100 million crowns. Now, the city hall is also preparing the reconstruction of Náměstí 28. října near the Tesco shopping center, with costs estimated between 60 and 70 million crowns.