The construction of garages under the Danuše Muzikářová park has raised concerns about the monumental tree

Brno – The construction of garages under the Danuše Muzikářová Park in the center of Brno and the planned revitalization of the park have raised concerns that the work will damage the approximately 150-year-old horse chestnut and other greenery. The massive tree has a huge root system, and according to landscape architect Vilém Jurek, it is unlikely that the garage construction will not affect it, he told ČTK today. After examining the roots, the city determined that there is sufficient distance between them and the planned construction, said Filip Poňuchálek, spokesman for the Brno City Hall, to ČTK.

Brno city councilors approved the sale of part of the land under Danuše Muzikářová Park to the company Magnum Mall at their last meeting, which plans to build underground garages and public toilets there. The total area of the land exceeds 900 m², and the city is selling it for nearly three million crowns. The park arrangement will remain on the surface, and the private investor will contribute to its maintenance and management. However, the initiative "Brno will be hot" criticized the plan, expressing concerns about the destruction of trees due to the garage construction. It also pointed out that the planned revitalization will lead to a decrease in greenery.

"The garages are to be built under the protected horse chestnut, which is a problem. The tree is massive; I don't believe the work will not affect it. I will gather more information about this, but the concern is justified," said Jurek from the organization Rezekvítek, which cares for protected areas in Brno. He is also worried that mature trees will have to be cut down due to the construction modifications. "There will be little soil above the underground garages, and therefore greenery will be planted there with a smaller root system, but also a smaller crown. Such trees may only last 30 years," he added. He sees this as a problem also in light of the climate changes that new plantings in the city struggle to endure.

The Department of the Environment, after probing the roots of the protected tree, found that the root system does not even reach the boundary of the protective zone. "There is sufficient distance between the protective zone and the planned underground construction. On the contrary, following an agreement with the Department of the Environment, the investor has committed to taking actions that will improve the prosperity of this tree," Poňuchálek stated.

Since 2016, Magnum Mall has owned the adjacent Typos building. The company expects to create about 150 parking spaces under the park and in Typos. Their construction is planned for several years. The public will have access to them from Roosevelt Street. Part of the land sale includes a commitment that the company will participate in part of the park's reconstruction and will build new public toilets.

"We estimate these two items at a cost of over 30 million crowns. Additionally, a transformer station for the entire block of houses between Roosevelt and Jezuitská Streets will be moved to a new underground facility. The city, the city district, and our company have the same goal, which is to beautify the entire area, whether from the side of Danuše Muzikářová Park or from the side of Jezuitská Street," said Jakub Vymazal from the company.

The construction of the garages must be coordinated with the planned revitalization of the park, which is overseen by the Brno-střed district. The revitalization has a territorial decision, and the district is now preparing additional documentation to apply for a building permit. The city assured that the revitalization will not significantly increase the built-up area. Mostly invasive greenery will be cut down. "The protected tree will receive due attention. It will be preserved, and we will ensure the highest level of protection during any interventions, whether above ground or underground," Poňuchálek added.