Prague wants to obtain a building permit for the reconstruction of Malostranské náměstí

Prague - Prague wants to obtain a construction permit for the renewal of Malostranské náměstí by the end of this year. The deputy mayor Petra Kolínská (SZ/Trojkoalice) told reporters after today's meeting of the capital city's councilors. The councilors approved continuing the project preparation today. Last year, the parking lot disappeared from the square. Prague has had an architectural design for the renewal of the square since 2014.

"The goal is for the project documentation and construction permit to be completed this year," said Kolínská. According to her, the councilors also agreed that they want to address the arrangement of traffic in the square. "We want to take advantage of the detour route through the Blanka tunnel, directing traffic so that drivers are not tempted to pass through," she said. Traffic calming is reportedly also demanded by Prague 1.

The magistrate is currently discussing three proposals on how to manage traffic in the square. The city leadership has not yet selected a solution. "For now, there is only an agreement that the tram tracks will not be moved and that cars will not be allowed on them. Further management of automobile traffic has been commissioned for verification, and a meeting on this will take place in mid-February," said the deputy mayor.

Last July, the magistrate cleared the parking lot in the lower part of the square. Cultural events are to be held here. "It will depend on the interest of Prague residents and the quality and quantity of the projects they propose," stated Kolínská. Some MPs protested against the removal of the parking lot last year, as they had parked there until then.

An expert jury in September 2014 selected the winning design by architects Martin Hájek, Václav Hájek, and Petr Horský in an international architectural competition for the reconstruction of the square. The architects proposed unifying the space, reducing the number of parking spaces, and adding seating areas, a space for a sculptural work, and a fountain. By announcing the competition, the city responded to the pressure from people who were dissatisfied with the appearance of the square.