The proposal for the renovation of the square in Velké Meziříčí retains trees and reduces cars

Velké Meziříčí (Žďársko) - The winning proposal for the restoration of the appearance of the historic square in Velké Meziříčí, which emerged from a recent architectural competition, includes the preservation of the century-old linden trees in its center. Traffic should be calm, including a reduction in the number of parking spaces. A total of 16 architectural studios entered the competition, and the team of Brno architect David Mikulášek won. All proposals have been on display at the Jupiter club since today.

The jury was chaired by architect and actor David Vávra. Before today's opening, he told reporters that he quite likes the square as it is now, but there are too many cars on it.

"Maybe the problem is that for ten crowns one can park all day, which the square probably shouldn't tolerate," he said. He warned that the complete removal of cars from the square would negatively affect local shops.

"The square has a certain tradition, it has evolved in a certain way, and we don't want to interfere with that," said Mikulášek regarding his winning proposal. The appearance of the surfaces, which currently consist of different types of paving as well as asphalt, should be unified. Mikulášek proposes to repave the square with granite paving and remove unnecessary barriers for pedestrians.

The number of parking spaces, which currently totals 240 in the historic center, is to be reduced to less than half so that cars do not park there all day. The city hall is planning to create another parking lot elsewhere.

The jurors appreciated the winning concept for its proposal on how to preserve the mature trees in the central part of the square. Mikulášek suggests that additional new trees be planted next to the old ones, which will grow enough by the time the existing lindens reach the end of their lifespan. According to him, this is an old renewal principle that has currently been forgotten.

The costs for the new modification of the central part of Velké Meziříčí, i.e., the square and five adjacent streets, should not exceed 50 million crowns. This will be accompanied by the replacement of old networks, especially water and sewage systems.

If the council agrees, the city will prepare a project next year. Construction work could then be carried out in phases, perhaps over the course of three years, according to Mayor Radovan Necid (ODS). He noted that extensive closures could otherwise lead to the disappearance of shops in the center.