Horažďovice will renovate the square using its own funds, the project will be cheaper

Horažďovice (Klatovsko) - Horažďovice intends to start renovating the large central square as soon as possible, which is in a dire state and does not meet the needs of its residents. The town of six thousand has a project that would fundamentally change the layout of the space and its appearance but was unsuccessful in its application for a seventy million grant from the European ROP program. Therefore, it is considering just repairing it, which would reduce costs to less than half. This was stated by Mayor Karel Zrůbek.
    "We are considering a completely minimalist option, that is to repair the square, not to change it. Mainly the communication and surface replacements," he added. The exact costs of this option are not yet known to the town. A significant portion will be the expensive repair of utility networks, which the municipal office must undertake.
    For the comprehensive renovation, there is a study by local architect Martin Kožnar, who won one of the awards in the Petr Parléř competition with it. The previous municipal leadership adopted it even though they did not order it.
    "We are now faced with the decision of whether to stick to the study or whether to simply repair the square, which really calls for repairs because the surfaces are in very bad condition," said Zrůbek.
    If similar ROP programs are announced in the new EU planning period, the town will apply for them. "But I have information that the European Commission criticized programs for the renovation of historic centers, claiming that it's not effectively spent money. It is rather expected that there will be no money for such actions, partly because there will be savings," he added.
    Investments from municipal sources will be divided into phases and will take at least three years. Horažďovice, which can invest about 40 million crowns annually, cannot repair the area in one year.
    The municipal office plans to bring social activity back to the square. For this, it needs more space for markets, cultural events, and gatherings of people. The planned scheme includes restrictions on parking areas. Mírové náměstí used to be a place where life pulsed. Today, it has more than 40-year-old concrete, asphalt, and many cars. The original plan included the modification of the park, which would highlight the historical landmarks, and promenades along the shops.