The E. Beneš Square in Ostrava should serve for relaxation and community activities

Ostrava - The Edvard Beneš Square in the center of Ostrava should serve for relaxation and community activities in the future. This follows from the results of the urban-architectural competition organized by the City Atelier for Spatial Planning and Architecture (MAPPA). The costs for the first phase of the transformation of the space are expected to be around 30 million crowns. Zuzana Kotyzová from MAPPA shared this information with journalists today.

The city began searching for proposals to modify the square last July. Three interested parties entered the two-phase competition, but one was disqualified for failing to meet the conditions. "Thus, two proposals advanced to the second round, with the task of their authors focusing on the details of the public space. The main goal of the competition was to find the answer to the question of what this important public space should look like and how it should be used," stated Kotyzová. In addition, the proposal was to assess the state of the surrounding streets and take into account related projects planned for the area, primarily the upcoming reconstruction of the former Ostravica department store complex.

The expert jury ultimately selected a proposal involving a collective of six authors. "The proposal brings an overall cultivation of the space, which will offer a pleasant environment for spending time and possibly for various activities. It also considers the possibility of future construction on the site of the former German House," said Kotyzová. She added that the space in the city center is designated as a square, but currently resembles more of a passage park.

"It is worth mentioning that in addressing this solution, we deal with two time perspectives. The first is, let's say, medium-term, where the main task is to cultivate the public space, but there are no plans for the completion of the addressed area. The second is long-term and deals with more fundamental and complicated issues, such as the completion of the area or the inappropriate above-ground parts of the parking lot in front of the hotel. Therefore, the proposal must be conceived in such a way that it is functional and sustainable at every stage. This is something that the winning proposal fulfills very well," stated Deputy Mayor Zuzana Bajgarová (ANO). She added that the city now wants to prepare a contract for the project work. "The first phase, with an estimated value of 30 million crowns, is expected in 2024," Bajgarová added.

The winning proposal divides the area into three distinct parts. These include the space in front of the town hall, the park square with existing mature greenery, and the area of the former German House, which is highlighted by a different type of chosen paving. Interested parties can familiarize themselves with the competition proposals at an exhibition organized by the city atelier MAPPA in its Za výlohou space starting March 31.