Plzeň has a study of the large area Americká-Sirková in the center

Plzeň - The representatives of Plzeň today approved a new urban study for the attractive location of Americká - Sirková in the wider center. The area includes, for example, the site of the demolished Inwest cultural center or the former Tesco department store. It is an exceptional place in the city, but the current state does not reflect that. The developed study defines the basic conditions for how the area should look in the future and replaces the previously valid regulatory conditions for the location from 2011.

"According to recent findings, this location is perceived by the public as the most problematic in the city, requiring change. It is one of the most important areas in the central part of the city, which has the potential for enhancement and strengthening of the urban character," said the technical deputy mayor Pavel Šindelář (ODS). Years ago, Plzeň residents voted in a referendum on part of the area, rejecting the planned construction of the Corso commercial complex. The city is still in court with the developer who bought the recently closed Tesco department store over compensation for damages.

The new study now creates parameters for possible development and also defines public spaces. The desired appearance of the area should be achieved in two phases. The first phase of the study proposes spatial regulation of the construction and public spaces of the "superblock" between Americká, Sirková, and Denisovo nábřeží streets and outlines the basic solution for the large intersection of streets. The second phase addresses the complement of development between Sirková and Nádražní streets and modifies the street profile of Sirková to fulfill the function of an urban avenue, which includes the relocation of the street.

The City Planning and Development Department also commissioned an assessment of the possible impact of development on the city center in the study. The study thus takes into account the influence of the future complex on shops, services, housing, offices, as well as culture, sports, and community facilities, said the department's director Irena Vostracká.

The opposition party TOP 09 supported the study but criticized that its proposal was not discussed with the public by the city management. "I have no doubt that the city has prepared a quality study. However, TOP 09 advocates for a transparent process in discussing plans that concern the future of Plzeň. We supported the study with the assurance that it will now be discussed in detail with the people," said councilor Michal Vozobule.