Polička is preparing to renovate the Bohuslav Martinů Square with the help of subsidies.

Polička - The town of Polička in the Svitavy region could start this year with the renovation of Bohuslav Martinů Square, which has been postponed multiple times. The city hall has applied for a grant and it is likely that it will receive it. This was stated by Mayor Jaroslav Martinů (ODS).

"The project has broad support from the representatives. The condition for its realization is the grant," said Martinů. According to him, there is a "relatively strong hope" that the city could obtain it during June.

Since the works are estimated at 52 million crowns according to the project documentation, the city did not want to start the investment without grant funds. The project has been in place since 2021. According to the mayor, the grant could amount to 20 million crowns. "That would be crucial money for us," said Martinů.

The square is located near the church of St. James, where Bohuslav Martinů was born, and in the tower is his childhood room. His father worked there as a bell-ringer. The project for the square's renovation also includes the composer's story. The proposed statue represents young Bohuslav running home with a violin. Water from the fountain is intended to flow like a stream down to Riegrova Street.

The water pays homage to one of Bohuslav Martinů's most famous works, Opening of the Springs. The architectural design also features the planting of 33 trees, an amphitheater, places for picnics or cultural events, and a fountain.

"The square is nicely designed, I personally like it, but if it were to be without the grant, it wouldn't make sense. If the grant is secured, we would raise our hand for the square," said opposition councilor Jiří Trávníček (Opening Poličky) to ČTK.

This year could see the beginning of the first stage of the renovations. "The construction company will evaluate the progress of the work," said the mayor.