The renovation of Jiřího z Poděbrad Square could be completed as early as spring 2026

Prague - Work on the reconstruction of Jiří z Poděbrady Square in Prague could be completed as early as April or May next year, compared to the originally planned date in September. Workers have already planted most of the trees in the square and built two large water tanks, and are currently working, among other things, on finishing the surfaces in the main area in front of the church. This was stated to reporters today by representatives of the city, Prague 3, architects, and construction companies. Work on the square began at the beginning of 2024 and will cost 477.8 million crowns, including VAT.

Adjustments have already been completed, for example, in the area on the north side of the square by the elementary school, where farmers' markets have returned. The square itself in front of the Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Our Lord is fenced off, and workers are creating paths and paving. A new metro exit has also been created, replacing the previous one.

According to construction manager Jaroslav Beránek from Gardenline, the work is progressing according to plan, and if everything goes well, it could be completed ahead of schedule. "We have a contractual date of September 2026, but we would like to finish it in April or May," he said. However, full accessibility of the square will still require waiting for the building's approval.

According to architect and designer of the adjustments Miroslav Cikánek, two large underground water tanks have already been created in the square. One is used for irrigation of greenery, and the other primarily for the accumulation of water in case of heavy rainfall, so as not to overwhelm the sewer system. There will be a specially developed grass mixture in the square that is supposed to be resistant to warming and will also withstand increased foot traffic on the lawns. Most of the 180 trees have already been planted, which is an increase of a hundred compared to the original state, according to the mayor of Prague 3, Michal Vronský (TOP 09).

The original fountain will remain in the square, although its underground part had to be completely remodeled and a new pedestal created. The fountain itself is currently disassembled around the pedestal and is waiting to be reassembled. Similarly, a new exit from the metro has been created; earlier protests were raised against the removal of the original due to its artistic value. However, Cikánek stated that its preservation was not possible since it was designed with vents to the sides, which would prevent the planting of trees around it. Additionally, it was much larger, and its protective zone would unnecessarily block a large part of the square for people, the architect added.

"There is still the topic of whether there should be another work of art in the future," added Deputy Mayor Petr Hlaváček (STAN). After the completion of the work, the city is likely to wait about a year and assess how people use the square, and subsequently announce an art competition for a new piece.

The reconstruction is already complete at Jiří z Poděbrady metro station, which started at the end of 2021 and was finalized last July with the opening of a pair of elevators leading to the square at Vinohradská Street. In the future, the city is also planning to reconstruct Vinohradská Boulevard, and the city hall has been working on the project for a long time. It is not yet clear when the work will begin.