The owner of the cables appealed against the modifications to Wenceslas Square

Prague - The Czech Communication Infrastructure (CETIN), as the owner of the majority of the public communication network, has appealed against the planned modifications to the lower part of Wenceslas Square in Prague. According to the documentation for the zoning decision, its opinion was allegedly missing. Three associations are also opposed. This is evident from a document published on the official board of Prague 1. The local building authority issued a zoning decision in November, which is necessary for the issuance of a building permit.

The modification of half of the square is expected to cost about 150 million crowns and will be completed approximately one year after all permits are issued. The new design includes the widening of sidewalks and four rows of trees. Instead of the current linden trees, plane trees will be planted. The exchange of trees and the entrances to underground garages were criticized at a public hearing this autumn.

CETIN, which manages, among other things, telephone and data cables, argues in its appeal that Prague 1, as the applicant for the issuance of the zoning decision for the modifications of the square, did not even request its opinion, only a general statement about the existence of networks. According to the company, this violates the building law and encroaches on its property rights.

CETIN manages and operates the largest telecommunications network covering the entire territory of the Czech Republic. It covers 99.6 percent of the population with a mix of mobile and fixed technologies providing voice and data services. It is owned by the investment group PPF, which also holds about 84 percent of the mobile operator O2.

Three associations are also opposed to the modifications of the square. Thilia Thákurova and the Pankrácká Society wanted to supplement specific reasons for the appeal later. The Club for Old Prague disagrees with the construction preparations for the entrance ramps to the underground garages. "We consider it incorrect and unacceptable to continue putting undue emphasis on the possibilities of automobile traffic and for traffic constructions for cars to obstruct a unified space for pedestrians," the appeal states.

The ramps are also opposed by the National Heritage Institute, which has obtained consent from the city’s heritage officials. The project being assessed by the authorities does not include their construction, but only the construction preparations that would allow for their potential construction. Mayor Adriana Krnáčová (ANO) previously told CTK that the city must respect previously concluded contracts with the owner, who plans to build a parking lot under the buildings.

The repair of Wenceslas Square has been discussed by Prague officials for several years. The company Cigler Marani Architects developed a project for the entire square in 2005, which has been newly modified. Wenceslas Square is 682 meters long and approximately 60 meters wide. Originally named Horse Market, it was established by a decree of Charles IV. In the 19th century, it was first renamed St. Wenceslas Square and later to Wenceslas Square.