Eight proposals have progressed to the second stage of the competition for the new center of Špindlerův Mlýn

Špindlerův Mlýn - Eight teams, four of which are from the Czech Republic, have advanced to the second stage of the international architectural-urban competition for the new center of Špindlerův Mlýn. The jury will select four finalists whose designs will be displayed. The public will be able to send online comments to the jury. The winning design will be announced in June, representatives from the development company Penta Real Estate informed ČTK today.

The three-round competition is being held according to the competition rules of the Czech Chamber of Architects. The aim of the competition, announced by Penta Real Estate in collaboration with the town of Špindlerův Mlýn, is to find a new urban and architectural solution for the town center on the left bank of the Elbe.

The advancing teams from both Czechia and abroad will develop their proposals into detailed concepts. "Out of a total of 33 applications, we selected the eight highest quality designs. We were pleased with their quality and the broad international interest from teams composed of architects, urban planners, landscape architects, and transportation engineers," said David Musil, director of Penta Real Estate.

According to representatives of the competition, the center of Špindlerův Mlýn is burdened by traffic and lacks a square and quality public spaces. The competition aims to bring proposals that will offer new places for gatherings, services, and the daily lives of residents while also creating a safe and clear environment for pedestrians and cyclists.

In the past, there have been concerns that the developer's plans would not be favorable for local residents. Some locals are worried that empty investment apartments will be created that will not be permanently inhabited.

"Most residents agree that the current bleak state of the center is not ideal. We are aware that there are concerns, but we believe that a transparent competition process involving the city on the jury is the optimal way to find the best solution for everyone. We will present the proposals advancing to the finals in May, when residents and visitors of the town will have the opportunity to comment on them," said the mayor of Špindlerův Mlýn, Martin Jandura (Špindlerův Mlýn - a city with a vision).

According to the city leadership, the newly organized space should offer various types of services and be, so to speak, lively, with areas featuring trees and other greenery. A pedestrian zone should be created, cars should park underground, and roads should be redirected. The city owns almost half of the land in the affected area and has several buildings there.