The Liberec Region wants to rename the embankment near its headquarters to Karel Hubáček Embankment

Liberec - The Liberec Region wants to rename the new riverbank of the Lužická Nisa near its headquarters to the Karel Hubáček Embankment. The governor Martin Půta (Mayors for the Liberec Region) said this to reporters today. This part of Liberec has undergone significant transformation in recent years; the region reconstructed the buildings, built a parking garage, and turned an unsightly parking lot into a space designated for socializing, which also opened up access to the river. The transformation of the area has cost the Liberec Region approximately one billion koruna since 2014.

"After some discussion, including with the Hubáček family, we concluded that we would like to propose to the Statutory City of Liberec to rename U Jezu Street to Karel Hubáček Embankment. There is a Hubáček Street in Liberec, located somewhere near the Industrial Zone South, but we believe that the seat of the region and the city center could commemorate Mr. Architect Hubáček in a more dignified way; the decision is up to the city," added the governor. According to him, 33 legal entities, including the regional office, would be affected by the change, but no physical person.

The project for the area's renewal started in 2014 when the Liberec Region purchased buildings and land from VÚTS (formerly the Research Institute of Textile Machines) adjacent to its headquarters. The region paid 125 million koruna for the complex covering more than 11,000 square meters. The region invested additional hundreds of millions in building renovations; the former administrative building is now the European House, and among other things, the regional business incubator Lipo.ink is located in the former workshops. At the beginning of 2024, the region completed a parking garage for 244 cars, and then work on the embankment resumed in the autumn.

The surroundings of the regional headquarters, which previously served mainly as a parking lot, have transformed into a space for relaxation and socializing, and a neglected park has been restored. The regional office received a new direct access across a bridge, which was included in the original project by architect Zdeňek Plesník at the end of the 1960s. The staircase allows visitors to descend to the river and dip their feet in the water. A refreshment stand and toilets, a water feature, and a children's playground have been added, and the embankment is adorned with a sculpture by Magdalena Jetelová in the form of four giant legs. The embankment cost the region 155 million koruna.

The city of Liberec plans to continue its part of the project this year, estimating the costs at 64 million koruna. Adjustments are awaited around the Rybníček and Šolc House. The most significant change will be the removal of the city parking lot and the expansion of the adjacent park. "There are more issues that this should address. It will not only be the adjustment of the park but also flood protection measures, and there'll be a cycle path and greenery associated with it," said Deputy Mayor Šárka Prachařová (for ANO).