Plzeň residents and investors will become acquainted with the study of the development of part of the center

Plzeň - Plzeň residents, potential investors, and property owners will discuss the urban study for future development of nearly twelve hectares of land between Denisovo nábřeží, Sirkova, Nádražní streets, and Americká třída in Plzeň. One of the most important areas in the central part of the city also includes the site of the demolished cultural house, where a commercial complex Corso Americká was to be built, which the residents of Plzeň rejected in a referendum five years ago.

The site also includes a Tesco department store, which was purchased and subsequently closed by developer Amádeus, which wanted to build the Corso complex for 2.5 billion CZK and is likely to demolish the Tesco building. The former Tesco on Americká třída will host a debate about the urban study on Wednesday, January 10, starting at 5:00 PM, Ivana Stuchlová from the Department of Concept and Urban Development told ČTK.

"The area between Americká and Sirkova streets has great potential for the city, and has been given long-term attention in terms of urban planning. I believe the study creates a basis for coordinated and rapid development of the area, which will be beneficial for the city, private owners, and residents," said Pavel Šindelář (ODS), the mayor's deputy.

City representatives, planners from the concept and development department, key property owners, and experts from outside Plzeň in urban planning and architecture will participate in the public debate. "Attendees will be informed about the principles of the proposed regulatory elements for the future appearance of the addressed area as well as its long-term development," Stuchlová stated. The concept department will present specific boundaries that the study establishes for the future look of the area during the debate. "We will discuss the conditions placed on parking, green spaces, building sizes, street network layout, and other areas important for the development of this part of the city," said its director Irena Vostracká.

The urban study Americká - Sirková, which the city council approved last October, is based on an urban-architectural competition and further elaborates on the conditions set forth in Plzeň's urban plan. The complete urban study is available on the concept department's website, and from January 8 to 28, there will be an exhibition regarding the urban study and the historical development of the area between the Radbuzě river and the railway in the hallway of the Měšťanská beseda.

On the land covered by the study, Amádeus intended to build a commercial complex, which was rejected by a referendum in January 2013. Due to the allegedly thwarted investment, the company is suing the city and is seeking 1.853 billion CZK in damages. The regional court returned the case for new proceedings to the Plzeň court. However, the city filed an appeal against this to the Supreme Court of the Czech Republic in October.

Amádeus withdrew from the project after failing to reach an agreement with the city hall on its design, but then began negotiating changes to it. The company cooperated with the city in the creation of the urban study, after which, upon its approval, it was to begin preparing a new project. According to the urban study, a maximum of 60 percent of the area can be used for commercial purposes, 20 percent for housing, and the remainder for administration and services. The urban study is expected to help resolve the dispute with Amádeus and corresponds with the results of the referendum.