Praha will announce a tender for dendrological work at Karlovo náměstí

karlak

Prague - Prague will announce a tender for a company that will conduct a survey and protect the trees in Charles Square before the overall renovation of this area begins. This was decided today by Prague councilors. The winner of the contract should start work this October or November, as the vegetative rest period begins. The city expects the work to last six to eight months. According to the control budget, it should cost 11.7 million crowns including VAT. According to Deputy Mayor Petr Hlaváček (STAN), the renovation of Charles Square should begin in 2027. The total cost of the revitalization is expected to be 250 million crowns.

The contract includes a survey of the roots, their adjustment, and the transplanting of trees. Construction work will also affect areas where landmark trees and other valuable greenery grow. "We are investing in the adjustment of trees to ensure they have optimal conditions and are ready for the transformation of the square," said City Councilor for Infrastructure Michal Hroza (TOP 09). Sidewalks will remain passable during the dendrological work, and no major occupation of the park is expected.

"Thanks to these preliminary works, we are closer to the overall transformation of the square, which could begin as early as 2027. We are currently waiting for the issuance of the urban planning decision," Hlaváček informed.

The largest square in Prague is to be redesigned according to a proposal by the German studio Rehwaldt Landschaftsarchitekten, created in collaboration with the Czech architectural office BY Architects and the transportation office PD Filip. Paths will be designed to allow easier access through the park, especially from the entrances to the metro to the hospital or polyclinic. The current asphalt surface will be replaced with paving stones. Lawns will be preserved. A café and a playground will be created in the southern part. The central area could feature flower beds. QR codes in the sidewalks will highlight the history of the square. A marketplace could operate near the New Town Hall building.

The revitalization of Charles Square has been discussed since 2008. At that time, Prague 2 announced a competition for a new design of the park, but this was met with opposition from conservationists and parts of the public. In 2010, Prague 2 signed a memorandum with the city regarding a joint approach to revitalization, and three years later, they concluded an amendment to this memorandum.

In 2015, the reconstruction of the tram line and adjacent sidewalks was completed, followed by repairs of intersections and crossings. The park was last modified in 1998 near the New Town Hall. Environmentalists and residents of Prague 2 protested against tree felling at that time.

Charles Square, formerly known as Cattle Market, is the largest square in the Czech Republic at an area of 80,550 square meters and one of the largest in Europe. It measures 510 meters in length and 130 meters in width. In the center of the square stood a circular chapel of the Blessed Sacrament since 1300, which displayed the imperial coronation jewels, and it was demolished in 1791.