Czech Lípa will start the renovation of Škroupovo Square this year, estimating the costs at 70 million CZK

Česká Lípa - This year, Česká Lípa will commence the long-awaited reconstruction of Škroupovo Square in the city center, with project designers estimating costs at 70 million crowns. The first project will be the repair of the stairs that connect the square with Jindřich z Lipé Street. This spring, Severočeské vodovody a kanalizace (SČVK) are also expected to begin work on the reconstruction of the sewage and stormwater drainage in Prokopa Holého Street, which is related to the project as well. Martin Brož (ANO), the deputy mayor, told ČTK today.

According to Brož, the reconstruction will affect the farmers' markets, which locals were accustomed to visiting every Thursday. "We want to keep the markets, but they'll move to Eduarda Beneše Square," he added. The markets will move to the space between the department stores Banco and ANDY. "After the completion of the reconstruction, we want the markets to return to Škroupovo Square, where a relaxation zone will be created, there will be ample space for the markets, and parking spaces will decrease," the deputy mayor added. He believes that the reconstruction of the square and the adjacent Prokopa Holého Street should be completed by 2027.

Discussions about the reconstruction of Škroupovo Square in Česká Lípa have been ongoing for over ten years. In 2019, the city hall announced an architectural competition for the project and received 14 proposals. The design by the Brno studio M2AU won. After reconstruction, Škroupovo Square is expected to be a relaxation zone with plenty of greenery, shade, benches, but also with a sufficiently large area for hosting smaller cultural events and various types of markets. The number of parking spots will be significantly reduced. "There are currently about 60 spots; it should be reduced to around ten," Brož added.

"Škroupovo Square is an archaeologically invaluable site, and it is important for us to create something architecturally interesting here that will also respect this special place and the surrounding development in the urban conservation area," stated Mayor Jitka Volfová (ANO). In the past, there was also a church in the square, which was lost during two major fires in the city at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries, and its layout will be commemorated in the paving of the square. In addition to trees, the area of Škroupovo Square will be brought to life by a water feature.