The square in the České Budějovice housing estate will be beautified by a water surface

České Budějovice - The square in front of the cultural center in the České Budějovice housing estate Vltava will be beautified with greenery and a water area. The construction, based on an architectural design chosen by the residents of the estate in a survey from three options, will begin in August. The main work is set to be completed by the end of the year, with a fountain to be created in the spring. The total costs will amount to 11.5 million crowns, said Mayor Juraj Thoma to journalists today.
    "The realization of the fountain during the winter months is not ideal, so the overall reconstruction should be completed by March 2009, so it can be ceremonially handed over for use in April," Thoma said. The city had three architectural designs for the future appearance of the space developed, of which the winning one was chosen by the citizens in a survey last year. More than half of the 2303 voters opted for the solution proposing to build a water area in the space.
    The winning proposal by architect Hana Urbancová received 1271 valid votes. Her solution is relatively simple and strictly geometric. It divides the area into a quiet part with mature greenery and a communication part where people can gather. The area will be dominated by a water area that resembles the river after which the estate is named.
    The regeneration of the estate south of Strakonická Street is divided into five phases and should be completed in 2010. The adjustment of the location is estimated to cost around 38 million crowns. The first phase of regeneration was completed in November 2006. The residents of the Vltava estate can now utilize new parking spaces south of Strakonická Street and also two new sports areas, one of which is for streetball. The greenery has also been renewed, including benches, and a rest area has been created in the estate.