Criticized modifications to the Annenský Triangle are planned by Prague 1 for the summer

Prague – Prague 1 plans to begin modifications to the so-called Anenský Triangle on Smetanovo nábřeží at the start of July, where a paved square is to be created. These should follow the current work on the embankment being carried out by the city council, which is expected to be completed by the end of June. However, the Prague 1 municipality still needs to resolve an amendment to the previously concluded contract for construction works due to rising costs. This was stated by the mayor of the district, Petr Hejma (STAN). The opposition criticizes the plan.

The original project included the felling of a mature maple tree, but after criticism from the opposition and local residents, the municipality retreated from that plan. The removal of the tree was intended to allow access to the so-called "čapadlo," a passage in the embankment wall originally designed to catch floating rafts from the river. In the end, it will not be accessible. Nevertheless, critics are also unhappy with the remaining plan to replace the grassy area with a paved square.

According to Hejma, the criticism is unfounded and the area will become a cultivated urban space with sufficient greenery in the new form. He added that the municipality had to redesign the entire project to preserve the tree. "It took quite a long time because exactly where the silver maple is, a retention tank for rainwater was supposed to be located," he said.

In the area, the municipality will plant a second mature tree and build a water feature and drinking fountain. Around the existing tree, a grassy hill will be constructed. "The goal is to have it completed by the end of September," the mayor said.

However, he added that given the delays, the municipality must negotiate the price for the work before commencing, as costs have objectively increased significantly since the tender. According to the public procurement bulletin, the contract for the modifications was won a few years ago by the companies OHL ŽS and Inpros Praha at a price of approximately 21 million crowns excluding VAT. "The contractor has calculated that work based on 2017 prices. With prices having skyrocketed, the contractor is understandably hesitant to proceed. It is under negotiation," the mayor explained.

The municipality is also preparing a footbridge over the Vltava connecting the newly accessible čapadlo at Hollar with the one the municipality originally wanted to open. This is two-thirds accessible from the river, and according to Hejma, a smaller stage could be created there, accessible via the new footbridge and from Smetanovo nábřeží via stairs. "I would like for it to be completed this year," the mayor said.

The city is currently working on modifications to the embankment, during which it will significantly widen the sidewalk on the eastern side and adjust the tram stops. The Karlovy lázně stop will now be bidirectional, and the Národní divadlo stop near Hollar will be moved to the level of Žofín, where trams will then stop in both directions.