The reconstruction of Hradec Králové's Great Square will begin with the repair of the arcades

Hradec Králové - The reconstruction of the Large Square in the historic center of Hradec Králové is set to begin next year in individual stages rather than all at once, as the city hall originally planned. The first phase will focus on repairing the arcade, followed by repairs to the surrounding streets: V Kopečku, Rokitanského, and the square of John Paul II. Each stage is expected to last three to four months. This was announced today by city hall spokesperson Kateřina Šmídová.

The Large Square currently serves as a parking lot, which the city wants to change. It aims to restore the square's function as a natural social center. The overall reconstruction of the square has been planned by the city hall since 2007, with an estimated cost of a quarter of a billion crowns. However, construction has not yet begun due to objections from some residents, particularly concerning the proposed reduction of parking spaces in the square. The city hall has not yet obtained the zoning decision for the complete renovation of the square.

For the phased repairs, the city hall has completed a review and addition to the reconstruction study of the Large Square. "The investment department has been tasked by the city council to prepare repairs for the areas adjacent to the square. We want to start as soon as possible with the repairs to the arcade, where the pavement will be replaced and the stone elements repaired," stated Mayor Alexandr Hrabálek (ODS).

The city is also considering the construction of underground parking garages beneath the Large Square. In mid-October, a specialized company will conduct three exploratory drillings for this purpose. Two of them on the Large Square will be 25 meters deep, while the third on Komenského Street will be eight meters deep. Their locations have been determined by the developers of the underground parking study in collaboration with archaeologists from the Museum of Eastern Bohemia. The results of the drillings will determine the next steps for the construction of the underground parking facility.

Previous surveys have examined the subsoil to a depth of about eight meters below the surface of the square. "Geologists will thus even reach several meters below the planned connecting tunnel from Komenského Street and the lower floor of the proposed parking garage," Hrabálek noted. The drillings will also assist archaeologists in verifying the expected depth of the archaeological layer, which currently extends to about 1.8 meters.

For most political entities in Hradec, the reconstruction of the square is an investment priority. In 2018, the city hall temporarily repaired the damaged sidewalks and crumbling surfaces of the parking lot for about 3.5 million crowns.