The reconstruction of the lower Wenceslas Square is to be completed by mid-September

Prague – The reconstruction of the lower part of Prague's Wenceslas Square, which began in April 2020, is expected to be completed by September 15. The city needs to finish the connection of the tracks, which will serve for the return of trams in the future. Councilor Jan Chabr told journalists today. The city launched a new fountain and drinking fountain in the reconstructed area.

The city is preparing the return of trams to the upper part of the square, which is still pending reconstruction. At the same time, during the current modifications, blind tracks were created in the lower part, where trams are also expected to return in the future. Chabr added that benches and other furniture will be added in the area at the intersection with Jindřišská and Vodičková streets, where work is still ongoing.

Last week, the city launched a fountain that aims to provide people with cooling. The operation is managed by the municipal company Technology of the Capital City of Prague (THMP). "The system is designed to be very eco-friendly. There is a closed circulation tank with 2000 liters of water, so the water that drains down flows back down, and only the natural evaporation is replenished," said the councilor. The fountain will spout water roughly from April to late autumn, as its design does not allow for winter operation.

THMP head Tomáš Jílek added that the water is safe for health but not drinkable. People can drink at a nearby drinking fountain connected to the water supply. The fountain is barrier-free, and water spouts directly from the ground, allowing passersby to refresh themselves in the summer months. THMP will take over the management of other water features from the city, especially those that are electronically controlled.

The reconstruction, started two years ago, brought, in addition to the fountain and drinking fountain, new paving, trees, and benches to the lower part of the square. It is based on a project by the architectural office Cigler Marani Architects, created in 2005. According to last year's information, the work will exceed the original budget of 330 million crowns by more than 100 million, mainly due to the additional decision to build tram tracks. The city plans to renovate the remaining part of the square as well, but it is still not clear when that will begin.