Praha 1 issued a zoning decision for the renovation of Wenceslas Square

Prague - Prague 1 has issued a zoning decision for the renovation of the lower part of Wenceslas Square. This was announced today by Mayor Adriana Krnáčová (ANO) to ČTK. The decision allows the magistrate to apply for a building permit, after which they will find a construction company and the actual work will begin. When this will happen is still unclear. The renovation of Wenceslas Square has been discussed for several years. Prague has had a project from the architectural office Cigler Marani Architects since 2005. According to earlier information, the renovation of the lower part of the square is expected to cost about 150 million crowns.

"The reconstruction of Wenceslas Square has significantly advanced. The square is not fulfilling its intended function, and although it is one of the most significant squares in Prague, people merely pass through it. I want Wenceslas Square to once again become a center of social, cultural, and community life," said Krnáčová.

"Now we will wait for the issuance of the building permit, but some partial work could theoretically already take place. I believe we will obtain the building permit quickly and start construction next year," she added.

According to the zoning decision document, the square will change its layout. In the north-south direction, it will be divided by an elevated threshold and retractable bollards that will prevent unauthorized vehicle access. Between the one-lane road, there will be so-called bays with parking spaces for 16 cars. Current access points to buildings will be retained.

There will also be underground containers and charging stations for electric vehicles on the square, and a base for placing the Christmas tree will also be built. New water features and drinking fountains will be added, and above-ground hydrants are also planned. "The design for the square includes six connection points for vending stalls," the document states. Trees will be irrigated with an automatic system.

Ramps for accessing future underground garages will be located on the sidewalk in the eastern part of the square. There was a long dispute over these ramps, as preservationists disagreed with them.

Wenceslas Square is 682 meters long and approximately 60 meters wide. It was originally named Horse Market and was established by a decree from Charles IV. In the 19th century, it was first renamed St. Wenceslas Square, and later to Wenceslas Square.