The demolition of the building in Karl IV. Square in Mělník will be decided by a referendum

Mělník - A referendum held during the autumn elections to the Chamber of Deputies will decide the demolition of the building known as Hold in the Karel IV Square in Mělník. The councilors want to know the public's stance, as neither side had demolition on their agenda during the last municipal elections. This was stated by the mayor of Mělník, Ctirad Mikeš (My City), to journalists today.

The building in Karel IV Square dates back to the socialist era. Locals also refer to it as America or Tehran. To be valid, at least 35 percent of Mělník voters must participate in the referendum, according to the law.

At the same time, the city is looking for an investor who would demolish the building and construct a new one according to the city's criteria. The basic requirement is to have shops and service establishments on the ground floor, with apartments on the upper floors, as there is a shortage of them in the center, and the population is declining. The city is negotiating with one investor, whose name has not yet been disclosed by the town hall. "We are checking references," said the mayor.

According to Mikeš, the city leadership does not plan to sell the land on which the Hold building stands to the investor before the construction of the new building is completed. However, this is just one of the options; the city prefers to maintain the spaces in the square primarily for the public.

The demolition is set to precede a complete transformation of the square. If approved by citizens and subsequently by the councilors, the city will commission the preparation of work procedures and financing methods. Demolition work may then begin next year and could cost more than ten million crowns.

In the coming years, Karel IV Square in Mělník is to undergo a complete change, aiming to serve more as a meeting place for people. The town hall has commissioned a study, to which feedback is provided by experts and local residents.