Prague will pay more for the reconstruction of Wenceslas Square

Prague – Prague will pay the company Hochtief 23 million crowns more for the reconstruction of the lower part of Wenceslas Square, which became more expensive due to changes in the original project. In addition, the city is also preparing to build tram tracks in the square, which will cost an additional 85 million crowns. This follows from a document approved by the city council today. Construction work began last year and was initially estimated to cost about 330 million crowns.

The city administration today approved an amendment to the original contract, which concerns minor adjustments to the project for the mentioned 23 million crowns. Deputy Mayor Adam Scheinherr (Prague Self) explained that the additional costs arose mainly because the city decided not to cut down existing trees after some residents protested, necessitating adjustments to the underground utility networks.

The deputy added that more money will also be required for the construction of tree irrigation using rainwater from a retention tank, which the city has chosen based on a study. Deputy Mayor Petr Hlaváček (for TOP 09) added that about 30 trees will be preserved and 48 will be added. At the same time, the city expects that the existing trees will also need to be gradually replaced. "A plan will be prepared on how to replace the trees after they have lived out their lifespan, perhaps five at a time," said Hlaváček.

The largest planned expense will additionally be the construction of blind tracks, which should eventually connect to those planned in the upper part of the square from Vinohradská to Vodičkova Street, where a regular line is to be established. According to Scheinherr, it is advantageous to build them now during the reconstruction rather than dig up the square again in the future because of them. The planned line above Vodičková is to be connected during the planned reconstruction of the upper part of the square. The deputy added that the tracks in the lower part could serve, for example, for historical rides or could host a museum tram.

In the case of the tracks, the council has not yet approved the extension of the contract with the construction company for their construction, but they agreed to increase the investment amount in the city budget by 85 million crowns. Scheinherr stated that the project for the construction of the tracks, which the city is negotiating with Prague 1, is now being finalized. "I believe we are finding common ground," he said. The construction still awaits separate approval.

Hlaváček added that negotiations with Prague 1 were somewhat complicated by a study indicating that trams could eventually run along Národní Street and on Příkopě, but he claims that this is merely an idea intended for further discussions. "Certainly, we have a debate lasting ten to fifteen years ahead of us," he said. He added that the trams on the so-called bastion promenade, which follows the original old town walls, would probably need to be technically designed differently and be smaller than those used in regular service.

The reconstruction of the part of the square from Můstek to the outlet of Vodičkova began last April and according to the original schedule, it is to be completed this year. Its basis is a project from the architectural firm Cigler Marani Architects, which was created back in 2005.