Basilejské náměstí in Prague 3 is awaiting transformation

Prague – The Basil Square at the intersection of Jana Želivského and Malešická Streets in Prague 3 is set to undergo transformation next year. It is to be changed into a classic four-armed intersection controlled by traffic lights, which will be complemented by public spaces. Ondřej Rut (Green), the deputy mayor of Prague 3, said this to ČTK today. According to him, the modifications will be carried out by Central Group based on an agreement with the capital city, which is planning to build apartments in the nearby Žižkov Freight Station area. The company's spokesperson, Ondřej Šťastný, confirmed this to ČTK.

The square, with its oval footprint, currently has no traffic lights and functions more like a roundabout. "It should be a classic four-armed intersection with traffic light control," explained Rut. He added that pedestrian accessibility should be improved by adding crossings with islands in the roadway. According to him, there will also be additional parking spaces, and one undeveloped corner will be transformed into a public space for gathering.

According to the deputy mayor, network replacements have already begun in the square, preparatory work should start by the end of the year, and the main modifications are planned for next year. Spokesperson Šťastný confirmed that Central Group will carry out the project at its own expense. This will also ensure traffic connections for the planned new district in the freight station area.

The city district, according to Rut, agreed with the city hall that the modifications would take priority over the next phase of the reconstruction of Koněvova Street originally planned for next year. Jana Želivského Street serves as a detour for Koněvova, so it is not possible, according to the deputy mayor, for both to be closed simultaneously. The next phase of the Koněvova reconstruction will thus be postponed to 2023, which, according to Rut, was promised by city hall representatives. The modifications are the responsibility of the city Technical Administration of Communications, and its spokesperson Barbora Lišková did not respond to ČTK's inquiry about whether the postponement is indeed being considered.

Central Group plans to build a project called Park Quarter with hundreds of apartments in the northern part of the Žižkov Freight Station area. According to the company's information, the first apartments should be completed by mid-2024. In addition to housing, the project includes a park, commercial spaces for shops and restaurants, a kindergarten, and a park. The total investment in the project is reported by the company to be 14 billion crowns. In the area of the former station, covering about 33 hectares, development firms Sekyra Group and Penta Real Estate also plan to build. The heritage-protected functionalist station will remain preserved.