The repair of the lower part of Wenceslas Square has been completed; it has new paving and trees

photo: https://jakubcigler.archi

Prague – The renovation of the lower part of Wenceslas Square in the center of Prague has been completed. The space between the Můstek and tram tracks has been completely repaved and the pedestrian area has been expanded. New trees have also been planted, benches replaced, and a new fountain built. City officials, architects, and builders presented the finished square to journalists today. The renovation is based on a project by the architectural firm Cigler Marani Architects, which was created in 2005. The work was carried out by the company Hochtief and will cost the city approximately 420.1 million CZK. On Monday, Prague, through its public transport company (DPP), also announced a tender for the renovation of the upper part of the square, which includes the return of trams.

"A nice new urban space has been created, an urban boulevard with new paving, an avenue of linden trees, and a water feature. I believe this space deserves it. I hope it will serve all Prague residents very well," said Mayor Zdeněk Hřib.

The reconstruction began in April two years ago. During the work, builders had to adjust some construction processes when it became apparent that the subsoil was somewhat different than indicated in the project. Plans were also changed, as more trees were preserved than originally intended following protests from local residents. As a result, engineering networks had to be redesigned and relocated.

"We also managed to remove the entrances to the underground garages, which would have caused greater car traffic and simultaneously disfigured a large part of this area of the square. It was agreed that access would only be from side streets and on a smaller scale," said Deputy Mayor Adam Scheinherr.

However, workers are still on the square working on two smaller areas by the tram tracks from Jindřišská to Vodičková Street. They are expected to be there until about January next year. "The stage that is being finished is already a preparatory phase for the construction of the tracks in the upper part," said Jan Šunka from Hochtief.

The city has already announced, through DPP, a contract for the construction of the tram line in the upper part of Wenceslas Square and for its overall reconstruction. Workers will repair pavements and roads, plant greenery, renovate the Muzeum metro station, and create an underground reservoir for collecting rainwater. Construction could begin next year, and costs are preliminarily estimated at 1.25 billion CZK.

A significant change in the upper part will be the aforementioned return of trams, which will run in areas where cars currently drive down the square. "Trams will navigate around the statue (of St. Wenceslas). And since significantly less through traffic is expected, cars will partly run on the tram tracks," said Deputy Mayor Petr Hlaváček (for TOP 09, running for STAN). Parking spaces will be reduced and the area for pedestrians will be expanded. The entire area will also be repaved.

Wenceslas Square is 682 meters long and approximately 60 meters wide. It was originally named Horse Market and was established by a decree of King Charles IV. In the 19th century, it was first renamed St. Wenceslas Square and later Wenceslas Square.