The area around the Vřídlo colonnade in Karlovy Vary is being addressed by two studies, the city will decide on the form

Karlovy Vary - The future surroundings of the Vřídlo colonnade in Karlovy Vary are being addressed by two architectural studies, an older study by architect Václav Kouba and a study of the extensive Theater Promenade by the Office of Architecture of the City of Karlovy Vary (KAM). The management of natural healing resources and colonnades (SPLZAK) and KAM are now seeking a compromise on how to reconcile both proposals. However, the final decision will be made by the city leadership, as agreed by SPLZAK director Václav Benedikt and KAM director Karel Adamec, as reported by ČTK. The founder of both organizations is the city of Karlovy Vary.

"These are actually two studies that are approached differently, and each describes the public space a little differently. But as I said, it is up to the city leadership to decide what the outcome should be," stated Benedikt.

As KAM director Adamec added, the original study by architect Kouba mainly concerned the immediate surroundings of the Vřídlo colonnade, the reconstruction of which, including some interventions in the surroundings, has already been partially carried out. "The surroundings can thus be completed in some form according to the original study, and the rest of the area will be finished according to the new Theater Promenade study because that study (by architect Kouba) from 2016 did not cover such a broad area and actually only concerns the immediate vicinity of the Vřídlo colonnade from the facade to the curb of the roadway," explained Adamec.

"I also offer the city that we could have both variants assessed by an independent entity, which could be our expert council of KAM," added Adamec. According to him, KAM itself should not be an institution that decides in this case because it is the author of one of the studies. "We are now looking for a way to navigate this situation so that we can retain a dignified public space and a building where SPLZAK could operate while having a nice public space around it," he said.

At the same time, the decision-making should not take long. SPLZAK, as its director Benedikt said, already has the first investments planned and pre-approved around the Vřídlo colonnade, which are expected to start next year. This mainly concerns the bridging of the Teplá River, which is already in an emergency state and is accessible only during the film festival under limited conditions. Following this, adjustments to the surroundings of the colonnade are planned, where promenades and relaxation spaces could be created, along with new tree plantings and paving. Overall, the Vřídlo colonnade and its surroundings, although they were created only in the 1970s, unlike the vast majority of the spa part of the city, should fit into the overall concept of a calm and representative spa zone and not appear out of place.

The city has so far invested over 44 million crowns in the rescue of the Vřídlo colonnade, which was already in emergency condition a few years ago. The total reconstruction, including the surroundings and the utilization of currently inaccessible spaces, such as the roof of the colonnade, is expected to cost significantly more - several hundred million crowns. Thus, the reconstruction of the Cheb Bridge will take priority in the city's budget.