The linden trees in Wenceslas Square will not be felled, the magistrate has backed down

Prague - The Prague City Hall will not chop down the linden trees during the reconstruction of the lower part of Wenceslas Square, which were originally planned to be replaced by new mature trees. They yielded to the pressure from an association that filed an objection against the felling based on so-called systemic bias. This was reported by the server Pražský patriot, and this was confirmed by the spokesperson of the city hall, Vít Hofman. Instead of dozens of trees, only three smaller ones will be felled, according to him.

"The representative of the association offered to withdraw their objection to the bias if we limit our request for felling only to three smaller trees, one near the Koruna Palace and two on the other side," Hofman stated, noting that the city hall agreed to this and is now awaiting the withdrawal of the objection from the association. Previously, the spokesperson indicated that the objection could complicate and increase the cost of the long-planned reconstruction.

The reconstruction, which concerns part of the square from Můstek to the mouth of Vodičkova and Jindřišská streets, was initiated by the city at the end of April after many years of discussions. According to Hofman, the first stone-working activities are now being prepared. The repair will cost 330 million CZK and is set to be completed in 2021. Its foundation is a project from the architectural office Cigler Marani Architects, which was developed back in 2005. In the future, the upper part of the square will also be renovated, where trams are planned to return, according to the city leadership's plans. Tracks are also to be placed in the lower part of the square during the reconstruction to be ready for a possible later extension of the line.