The transformation of Jan Palach Square in Prague is complicated by underground garages

Prague - The long-planned reconstruction of Prague's Jan Palach Square is complicated by the underground garages located beneath it. As Deputy Mayor of Prague Petr Hlaváček (from TOP 09) said today to ČTK, the project could be ready by the end of this electoral term. The planned reconstruction is based on a competition that the city held back in 2002, in which the design by architects Václav Králíček and Stanislav Makarov won.

The deputy stated that while preparing the project, the opinions of the architects must be taken into account, as well as the transportation solutions for the square, through which trams and cars travel. "It is probably the most complicated public space project in Prague," he stated.

According to him, the biggest problem is the extensive underground garages. "We are negotiating with the owners, we are negotiating very seriously, but it is very complicated because it is an encroachment on their property, and everything has to be agreed upon," Hlaváček said.

He added that the reconstruction will be divided into three phases - the first involves the square itself, the second the area by the river, and the third the area around the Faculty of Philosophy and the intersection of 17th November and Křižovnická streets, including tram stops. The plans include, for example, widening sidewalks, adjusting tram stops, building a pole in front of the Rudolfinum, modifications to the promenade by the Vltava, and planting new trees.

During construction, it will be necessary to rearrange the air conditioning system, which is currently located in the middle of the square, which according to the deputy is not suitable. Due to the mentioned complications, Hlaváček does not expect the project to be ready before the end of the electoral term, that is, in 2022. According to him, the city hall will now request the necessary opinions, for example from heritage protection officials, and if everything goes well, it could apply for a zoning decision within a year.

The square is near the Staroměstská metro station and is home to three significant historical buildings - the Faculty of Philosophy of Charles University, the Rudolfinum, and the Academy of Art, Architecture and Design.