New Brno train station must not create a barrier, emerged from the workshop

Brno - The new Brno train station, if built in the shifted position near the Svratka, must not be a barrier like the current station. It must be in close contact with the urban space, and the new district must organically merge with the historical center. A great opportunity also exists to create a giant park along the existing railway line, as emerged from a three-day workshop involving twenty students from the Brno Faculty of Architecture.
    The students created four proposals in groups, reflecting the main impulses that the construction of the new district should follow – the station should be positioned as close to the city and urban development as possible. Furthermore, the new district will be organically connected by a new boulevard that will end below Petrov. The station should also connect to the Komárov area heading south. There is also significant potential for greenery along the current railway line.
    Whether the new station will indeed be by the river, i.e., 800 meters south of today's location at the lower station, will be decided at the turn of the year. "The comparative study of both variants, that is, the shifted one and the one under Petrov, will be completed by the beginning of next year at the latest. Last week, a review day was held at the Ministry of Transport, and most of the 50 participants already see which variant seems more advantageous," said the mayor's deputy Robert Kotzian (ODS). However, he did not specify which one it should be.
    The city is already actively working with the variant of relocating the station, which is included in the land-use plan. "We are preparing the construction of urban infrastructure, especially tram lines, and we are addressing property rights parcel by parcel. We are also dealing with pedestrian routes that have not been addressed by anyone so far," noted Kotzian. According to him, the student initiative is beneficial mainly because of the fresh perspectives and ideas. "It is good that they are not too restricted by anything. I believe that inspiration can be drawn from their ideas," he added.
    The city is also preparing a supplementary comprehensive study of transport accessibility for the new station and the entire district, which will address all types of transport. "At a crucial time, we must present a comprehensive solution to the citizens," said Kotzian. He also considers it important for the city to approve changes in the existing study and determine the mandatory share of residential areas. "The worst thing that could happen to the southern center is that it would become deserted after working hours and turn into a dead quarter, even if investors may not like it," Kotzian stated.