Mělník has a non-binding study for a comprehensive transformation of Karl IV Square.

Mělník - The representatives of Mělník accepted a gift in the form of a material study of the new appearance of Karel IV Square from the development company Property Mall on Monday. In the coming months, experts and the public will still have the opportunity to comment on the non-binding study for the transformation of the square. Zuzana Beníšková informed the press about this on behalf of the city today.

The value of the private investment could be around two billion crowns, according to preliminary estimates. Both department stores from the socialist era would be demolished, and new buildings would be constructed in their place. The plan includes spaces for retail, apartments, a city library, and underground parking.

"We will lead a series of discussions with representatives, citizens, experts, and current tenants of commercial spaces about the final form of the project and we will incorporate their relevant requests into it. We are building on our predecessors' work, and I believe that this ambitious project will continue to have broad support in the council, which we will strive for," said the mayor of Mělník, Tomáš Martinec (ODS). The city will now prepare a draft of contracts between the city and the developer, under which the project may be launched.

According to Property Mall representative Daniel Šritra, the study is based on the requirements and needs of the city and its people. "It is non-binding, but relevant, and we consider it the beginning of a discussion on how to ensure comfortable living and spaces for the city library and business in the square," he stated.

"The dominant feature of the square should be a tiered seating staircase with green areas creating a new semicircular space connecting to the new buildings with commercial ground floors and apartments, as well as access to the new library or cultural center," the city stated in a press release. It is to be complemented by three water features and eight red trees symbolizing gemstones on the royal crown. Most new buildings are expected to have garages, and one of the buildings is to serve as a parking house.

The city has been preparing the demolition of unfinished buildings from before 1989 for several years. However, it was necessary to resolve property relations, as part of one building belonged to Russian owners. A private company acquired it two years ago.