The capital city will take over the reconstruction of Jiřího z Poděbrad Square from Prague 3

Prague – The Prague city hall will take over the project for the reconstruction of Jiřího z Poděbrad Square in Vinohrady after the documentation is completed. Initially, the work was to be ensured and paid for by Prague 3, but its leadership has agreed with the leadership of Prague that the city will secure the investment. This follows from a memorandum between the two local administrations, which was approved by city councilors today. According to the approved document, the estimated costs for the repairs are 270 million crowns including VAT, but an increase in costs can be expected. Work is expected to begin in August next year.

According to the approved document, the square is a significant space as it is linked to Vinohradská Street and features an important monument, the Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Our Lord designed by architect Josip Plečnik. "The current state of the square and its architectural appearance have gradually arisen from unplanned modifications, particularly since the 1970s, which are completely inconsistent with the significance of the national cultural monument," states the document.

Prague 3 has been preparing the reconstruction since at least 2000, when the then city council approved the design of the new appearance of the square from the MCA studio that emerged from a competition. This was followed by years of discussions and disputes. Some local residents opposed the proposal, disliking, for example, the suggestion to remove the fountain from the square. The previous city council then completely halted the preparation of modifications according to the original study.

The new coalition that emerged from the 2018 elections subsequently considered whether to continue according to the original plans or to announce a new competition. In September of the year before last, the councilors decided on the first option, while the city hall collected input from residents that architects should take into account in the redesigned project.

According to the document approved today, the project should be completed by October. Subsequently, the city hall will hand it over to the city council, which will select a construction company, and work is expected to begin in the summer. The current estimated costs of 270 million crowns excluding VAT will likely not be final, according to the city council. "It can be expected that after the submission of the final control budget, it will be necessary to increase the total costs of the project," states the document.

The Prague Public Transit Company also started repairs on the metro station in the square in September. New elevators for wheelchair users and parents with strollers will be created, escalators will be replaced, and other parts of the station will be repaired. The repairs will last more than two years, and from January 2023, the station will be closed for ten months. The reconstruction will cost the company 1.29 billion crowns and will be completed in February 2024. The Prague city hall has also been preparing the reconstruction of Vinohradská Street for some time. The city has not yet announced when the work will begin.