<divadelní náměstí v Karlových Varech čeká proměna na pěší zónu> The Theater Square in Karlovy Vary is set to transform into a pedestrian zone. </divadelní náměstí v Karlových Varech čeká proměna na pěší zónu>

Karlovy Vary - Karlovy Vary is preparing the revitalization of Theater Square. The city will announce a tender for the contractor of the project documentation, said ČTK Deputy Mayor Lubomír Kovář (ANO). The project should be completed next year, with construction to follow. There will be fewer parking spaces between the Municipal Theatre and the historic building of the former savings bank, a pedestrian zone will be created, and the arrangement of greenery will change.

"We would like to have the project documentation, let's say, by the autumn of next year, and we would start implementing the actual construction in the spring of 2027. But it obviously depends on financial resources, as we need to pre-finance the whole project," said the deputy. The construction cost will be determined by the project documentation, but it should be around 30 million crowns, Kovář added. The city has been promised a grant covering 85 percent from the Integrated Territorial Investments program ITIKA 2021 - 2027 for the construction. The design work will cost the city about two million.

"We are building on the study of the theater promenade, which was still in progress and included all other needs as well. For example, let's mention the Czech Television house during the film festival," Kovář said. The city also consulted other organizers who shared their needs. The square serves as the base for the half-marathon and is also the starting point for triathletes.

Parking should not be allowed in the area; only the pedestrian zone should remain. According to Kovář, this is mainly related to the planned construction of a parking garage near the gallery. The promenade will also change the view of the facade of Sparkasse, the former savings bank. The Art Nouveau palace of the Municipal Savings Bank from 1906, designed by architect Otto Stainl, was restored a few years ago. It has a private owner. It serves as exhibition space for the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.

The theater promenade should calm this part of the spa center and bring it closer to pedestrians rather than cars, which pass through and park here, even though parking outside designated spaces is practically impossible due to fees for entering the spa zone.