Karlovo náměstí should be more pedestrian-friendly according to a survey

Prague - The residents of Prague wish for Karlovo náměstí to be more accessible for pedestrians in the future, with more crossings and fewer driving and parked cars. There should be more social and cultural events held in the square. They would welcome a café in the park and a larger playground. This is indicated by a survey published by the Institute of Planning and Development (IPR). The city has been planning the reconstruction of the largest Czech square for many years. The institute was tasked with preparing a conceptual study.

Among the users of the square, dissatisfaction with the current state of Karlovo náměstí predominates. More than 60 percent of people are dissatisfied. According to a third of respondents, Karlovo náměstí is a neglected park with many dangerous corners. A quarter perceives it as a busy traffic artery.

Partial modifications to the square took place in previous years. This included the reconstruction of the tram line and adjacent sidewalks, which ended last year. This was followed by the repair of intersections and crossings. In the future, park modifications should be prioritized. According to the IPR study, muddy worn paths will disappear, replaced by a better-conceived network of sidewalks, with new seating areas for picnics or farmers' markets.

The park was last modified in 1998, near the New Town Hall. At that time, environmentalists and residents of Prague 2 protested against extensive tree felling. In 2008, the city hall held an architectural competition, selecting a winning design that was opposed by heritage conservationists. Two years later, representatives from the city hall and the magistrate signed a memorandum committing to a joint approach regarding the square's restoration. According to the IPR, revitalization is planned for 2018.

Karlovo náměstí, formerly known as Dobytčí trh, is 510 meters long and 130 meters wide. The total area is over 80,550 square meters. In the center of the square stood a circular chapel of the Holy Body from 1300, where imperial coronation jewels were displayed, which was demolished in 1791.