The reconstruction of Jiřího z Poděbrad Square will cost Prague 395 million CZK

Prague - The long-planned reconstruction of Jiřího z Poděbrad Square will be paid for by the Prague City Hall with approximately 395 million crowns excluding VAT to the consortium of companies Auböck and Gardenline. The results of the tender for the works were approved by city councilors today. The square, located at the border of Vinohrady and Žižkov, has been awaiting modifications for over 20 years, with work expected to begin this year and involving the expansion of event spaces and the planting of new trees.

"The goal is to create a dignified adequate forecourt for the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, to create a quality public space for gatherings, to increase pedestrian permeability of the square, to enhance the recreational attractiveness of the place, and to increase the safety of residents," states the approved document. The price is somewhat higher than the original estimate, with the tender assignment citing an expected value of 309 million crowns excluding VAT.

In front of the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, designed by Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik at the turn of the 20th and 30th centuries, a new space for public events will be created. It will be lined with a plane tree alley, and the proposal also includes the construction of a retention pond for irrigating greenery. "The renovation addresses the complete area of the square, including technical infrastructure, furniture, sidewalk areas around the square, and the adjacent Lucemburská street," further indicates the document.

The reconstruction project was prepared by Prague 3, which subsequently agreed with the city hall that the city would take over and pay for the work. There has been extensive discussion about the modifications to the square, and the original proposal drew criticism from local residents. They were not pleased, for example, with the plan to remove the fountain or what they perceived as insufficient greenery. The previous leadership of Prague 3 had the project revised with input from local residents. The current version plans to retain the fountain, and according to representatives of the municipal district, additional greenery will be added.

The Prague Public Transport Company also started repairing the metro station in the square last September. New elevators for wheelchair users and parents with strollers are being constructed, and the company is also replacing escalators and repairing other parts of the station. Since January of this year, the station has been closed for ten months due to the work. The city hall has also been preparing a complete reconstruction of Vinohradská Street for some time, but it is still unclear when it will start.