Polička postpones the modernization of Bohuslav Martinů Square due to costs

Polička - Polička in the Svitavy region is postponing the modernization of the Bohuslav Martinů Square due to high costs. Its new form is intended to commemorate the composer, a native of Polička. However, costs have doubled during preparations, so the town hall is waiting for the grant application to be announced. This was stated by mayor Jaroslav Martinů (ODS) to ČTK.

"It is a nice project that people like and has the support of the councilors. However, without a grant, it's beyond our means. Originally, we estimated the cost to be half. In the end, the budget was so crazy that we can't manage it alone. It's around 55 million crowns," said Martinů.

A few years ago, the original costs were around 25 million crowns. At that time, the town hall anticipated that the work would be carried out in two phases. In January, the Ministry for Regional Development will likely announce a grant program to which the Polička town hall will apply for funding, according to the mayor.

"If we succeed, we can start construction. If not, we will not build. The majority opinion is to do it in full scale. If it doesn't work out, then we have two options: to postpone the investment or to carry it out in a smaller form, which personally wouldn't bother me," said Martinů.

The square is located by the Church of St. James, where the composer’s father worked as a caretaker. The boy lived there with his family in a small room high up in the church tower. Architects have also proposed incorporating the composer's story into the square's renovation.

The statue is to depict him as a young boy running home with his violin. Water from the fountain will flow like a stream down to Riegrova Street. The water is meant to evoke one of Bohuslav Martinů's most famous works, The Opening of the Springs. The architectural design also includes the planting of 33 trees, an amphitheater, spaces for picnics or cultural events, and a fountain.