The estimated cost of the reconstruction of the Great Square in Hradec Králové is 615 million crowns

Hradec Králové - The estimated costs for the restoration of the historic Great Square in Hradec Králové are around 615 million crowns. This follows from the materials prepared for today's meeting of the Hradec Králové councilors regarding the continuation of the preparation for the square's reconstruction. The city has been preparing the reconstruction of the square, which is currently a large parking lot, since 2007. Back then, the town hall estimated that the repair of the square could cost 80 million crowns in the cheapest variant.

Today, the councilors approved the allocation of 20.5 million crowns from the budget reserve for the preparation of project documentation for the square's reconstruction. The city will add this to the 9.5 million crowns already prepared for the project documentation. The city hall intends to announce a tender for the project documentation producer, estimated at 30 million crowns, in February.

Opposition councilors pointed out that the city does not have certainty that the owners of neighboring properties will agree to the reconstruction. According to the opposition, the project should only be undertaken when the city knows that it will not encounter strong resistance as in the past. Otherwise, it could be a wasted investment in the project. "There should at least be some framework agreement," stated opposition councilor Jan Holásek (Developing Hradec).

Deputy Mayor Lukáš Řádek (TOP 09) stated that the intention is well-known and has been discussed with the public and various city bodies. "There is broad public agreement of more than 90 percent. The disagreement comes only from a few individuals. If we have a mandate, we are able to see the project through to completion, possibly not in full agreement with all property owners. But we are capable of completing the majority on city-owned lands," said Řádek.

The city hall estimates that the project documentation for obtaining the construction permit could be ready by the turn of 2026 and 2027. The actual reconstruction, if everything goes smoothly and the city hall obtains the permit, could start in 2028. The reconstruction of the square is one of the long-term investment priorities of the city hall.

The original project for the square's reconstruction did not start due to objections from some residents, mainly regarding the proposed reduction of parking spaces. The city leadership elected in 2022 decided to change the basic concept of the square's reconstruction and incorporate new requirements. The updated urban study was provided to the city by ARN Studio last November.

In December 2023, a petition titled "For the Preservation of Life in the Great Square" was created against the planned modified reconstruction of the square. "Without the possibility of traffic servicing and access to the Great Square, the historic center will stop thriving and will become a place for ghosts," stated the petitioners.

The study, which will serve as the basis for the designer, includes the reconstruction of Komenského Street along the square, differing from the city's original vision. New parking spaces are to be created there to offset their reduction in the square. Two rows of trees are to be planted in the square, and water features will be added. The center of the paved square is to be designated for pedestrians.