Praha 1: Trams should not return to Wenceslas Square

Prague - Trams should not return to Prague's Wenceslas Square as part of its planned reconstruction. Prague 1 disagrees with this. They are bothered that overhead wires would have to be stretched over the square, which would spoil its appearance. This was stated by the mayor of the district, Oldřich Lomecký (TOP 09), to reporters today. He claims that his position was supported by the mayor, Bohuslav Svoboda (ODS), at the Tuesday meeting of the newly established working group addressing Wenceslas Square.
    The project for the reconstruction of Wenceslas Square included the reintroduction of trams that would connect Wenceslas Square with the Vinohrady area. "Prague 1 rejects this option. The position of the district is clear and categorical," emphasized Lomecký. He is annoyed that the square was "wired from above". "This would eliminate the beauty of its openness," he noted.
    According to Lomecký, the stance of the first city district was also supported by Svoboda at Tuesday's meeting. Wenceslas Square is currently managed directly by the city, which should therefore have the final say.
    Currently, the final project for the reconstruction of the square is being prepared. Discussions about its modification have been ongoing for several years, but it has continually been postponed. "It's like with the Yeti - everyone talks about it and no one has seen it," commented Lomecký on the ongoing delays in starting the renovations.
    According to him, a decision on the land use permit could be issued at the beginning of next year. After that, experts must prepare the project documentation for the building permit and apply for the issuance of the building permit. "Construction could start in Wenceslas Square by the end of our electoral term," Lomecký added.
    He suggested that the reconstruction should first begin with the upper part of the square. The extensive underground garage project had previously delayed this. Now, Prague 1 has also opposed it. "It would only prolong the reconstruction," noted the mayor.
    According to him, the lower part of Wenceslas Square should not be repaired until some planned construction projects are completed. For example, the Hotel Evropa or the U Stýblů building should be reconstructed. There are also plans for an underground garage for 350 cars in the lower part. The project is planned by a private investor, who promised to release 150 parking spaces for local residents. Thus, parking on the surface should be limited, Lomecký added.
    The working group addressing Wenceslas Square also agreed on holding a car-free day on Tuesday. It should take place on Sunday, September 18. It will last from about 10:00 to 16:00. If the project proves successful and is well-received, it could happen once a quarter, or even every month, according to Lomecký.