Zlín is preparing the renovation of Míru Square, which could start in 2022

Zlín – The city of Zlín should sign a contract in the coming days with the Brno-based company P.P. Architects, which won the competition for the proposal to renovate Míru Square. Mayor Jiří Korec (ANO) said this to reporters today. The subject of the contract will be the completion of the selected design and the complete project documentation for construction approval. Work could begin after the celebrations of the 700th anniversary of the first written mention of Zlín, which will take place in 2022.

The participants in the competition were tasked with creating a concept for the architectural-urban solution of the square and its surroundings, including the proposed division into phases. The first phase primarily involves the construction of an underground parking lot, new surfaces, furniture, and the creation of a smaller colonnade, which will also include a stage or space for outdoor exhibitions.

The considered second phase consists of building on part of the square along T. Bati Avenue, where there is currently a small park. However, according to the mayor, this is more of a possibility that will be discussed and may not occur at all. "We appeal to the architects not to consider the first phase as temporary and to ensure it makes sense even without the second phase," said Korec.

According to the original plans, there was to be around 300 parking spaces in the underground parking lot, but negotiations for support from private entities did not go well, so the number of spaces has been reduced to 150, which is double the current number of spaces. According to the city's leadership, this will also be simpler due to the necessary relocations of numerous utility networks.

The city also plans to modify the adjacent streets Bartošova and Rašínova, as well as the area in front of the church, where the parking lot should disappear and give way to a relaxation zone.

"The originally expected cost of the participant's services for the overall completion of all levels of project documentation – phases from project preparation to author supervision during construction work – was estimated at 25 million crowns excluding VAT, based on the originally proposed investment scope. Following the anticipated reduction of the underground part of the plan, it will certainly be lower; however, the cost of the documentation will be one of the subjects of the negotiation process," said Deputy Mayor Miroslav Adámek (STAN). The originally estimated cost for the first phase of the square's reconstruction was about 300 million crowns.