Praha 8 wants to start the reconstruction of the area near the Krakow center this year

source: www.praha8.cz

Prague - Prague 8 wants to start the first phase of the reconstruction of the surroundings of the Krakow shopping and cultural center this year. Mayor Roman Petrus said this to journalists today. Barriers will be removed, a square with a park will be created, and up to 80 trees will be planted. The city hall has already announced a tender to find a construction contractor. The costs will be 26 million crowns excluding VAT. The city hall also plans to start the already announced reconstruction at the C metro station Ládví this year.

"In the case of Krakow, we have announced a competition for the contractor. As soon as we approve the budget for this year, we will begin preparing for the actual reconstruction. I think we could start this year. If everything goes well, we could begin the work around the summer," said Petrus.

One of the goals was, according to architects, to bring nature back to the housing estate and improve pedestrian passage. "Emphasis is placed on pedestrian movement and maximum greenery. People take the shortest route, which needs to be respected. But there are currently a number of barriers here, and the passage is not comfortable," said architect Martin Rusina.

Old flower pots, stairs, or ramps will disappear from Krakow. In addition to new pathways, a park with a picnic area and space for outdoor exercise will be created. The park will not be flat, but will feature low mounds planted with grass. "The park will be open and without bushes to ensure safety. 80 trees will be planted. All water will be absorbed on-site, supporting their growth," said architect Martin Frei.

A new square and a small pavilion with a café and a so-called Czech point will also be created. There will be space for farmers' markets, and wooden rest stairs will connect the upper floor of the cultural house with the entire area.

A new large square will also be created at the C metro station Ládví, where cultural events will be held, and then a small square or space for a market. "There are five basic areas here, which are dilapidated and have no character, with plenty of overgrown greenery and pedestrian movement issues," said architect Jan Hendrych. A fountain will be built at Ládví, new greenery will be planted, and a memorial to the architect of the adjacent housing estate, Viktor Tuček, will be erected. In the first phase of reconstruction, a large square will be created.

The costs for the Ládví reconstruction are not yet determined, but tentatively the city hall estimates about 40 million crowns excluding VAT. The competition for a construction company will be announced no sooner than after February 15, 2017, when the local council is expected to approve this year's budget.