Plzeň is displaying proposals for the modification of the square, modifications could begin in 2026

Plzeň - Plzeň is exhibiting in the West Bohemian Gallery the designs submitted by architects last year for the competition to modify the historic Republic Square. The city hall wants to adjust the 1.2-hectare area to calm it down and offer people a more pleasant stay than before. The city is already negotiating with the winner of the competition, the Brno-based architectural and urban planning studio MAAUS, about the preparation of complete documentation. With modifications prepared for 100 million crowns, work could begin next year, and tangible results could be seen in the second half of the year, said today to ČTK the technical deputy mayor Pavel Bosák (Pirates). The exhibition will run until February 16.

"The competition fulfilled what we envisioned. The winner showed that the monumentally unique Plzeň square can be made more accessible to people. Locals and tourists will have the opportunity to stop at the square, sit down, and spend time pleasantly here," said Irena Vostracká, the director of the City Concept and Development Department of Plzeň. According to her, all the submitted proposals showed how it is possible to preserve the uniqueness of the square while improving its layout.

"A lot more trees, and not in pots, but permanently in the ground, and significantly fewer cars," summarized the most visible changes Aleš Tolar (STAN), the deputy for transport and the environment. According to the winning proposal, pedestrian zones are to be better connected and expanded, trees that will provide shade, especially in hot summers, will be added, and the parking lot in front of the town hall will be removed. The square currently functions as a large roundabout, around which cars circulate. After the modifications are completed, personal cars would not be allowed on the western and southern sides at all. Thanks to the calmed traffic, people will be able to safely and comfortably walk from the pedestrian zones in Rieger and Smetana streets across the square and Dřevěná street all the way to the area U Zvonu. The modifications will also improve water retention and the flow of public transport.

"The main goal and motivation were to ensure that people do not just rush through the square but have a reason to linger there, to have reasons to experience their stories, to expand the outdoor seating areas, and for pedestrian traffic to not pose a danger or burden people with noise," summarized Bosák. He particularly appreciated the thoroughness of the winning proposal, the layout of networks, the locations for vegetation, and the use of space for various social and cultural events, for markets, and for people to gather.

Last year, 12 proposals were submitted to the competition. The winning proposal and the results of the competition were unanimously approved by the representatives in November.