Sport about the construction of underground garages in Brno reached the minister

The underground of Zelný trh (current state).

Brno - The dispute over the construction of underground garages in the center of Brno at Zelný trh has reached Culture Minister Jiří Besser (TOP 09). The civic association 4AM-Forum for Architecture and Media sent him an open letter on Tuesday, warning him about the risks of the project. Šárka Svobodová from the association confirmed this to ČTK today. The city is awaiting the opinion of experts.
    According to Svobodová's claims, the entry ramp and the construction structure of the planned underground garages would completely change the historical character and face of the square. "The very process of construction work would seriously threaten the existence of the Baroque fountain Parnas and especially the extensive historical cellars, which have been beneath the surface of Zelný trh since the Middle Ages,” the letter states, which has been made available to ČTK.
    According to the civic association, the construction of underground garages is in conflict with the valid regulatory plan of the urban heritage reserve. According to Svobodová, the open letter was also signed by architect Ivan Ruller, historian Milena Flodrová, director of the Moravian Gallery Marek Pokorný, and the authors of the regulatory plan for the urban heritage reserve Jiří Mikšík and Josef Němec.
    The company Magnum Real Estate wants to build underground parking in the square. Several dozen parking spaces are intended for residents of the surrounding apartments as well as guests of the under-construction hotel Classis. City councilors agreed to simplified zoning proceedings at a meeting in mid-July. The councilors supported the construction because it aligns with the council’s intention to remove most parked cars from the square. The number of cars parked in Zelný trh was noted as one of the main shortcomings of the square in a survey. After the planned reconstruction, only a fraction of surface parking spots will remain. The underground garages could replace them.
    According to Mayor Roman Onderka (ČSSD), the approval to commence the zoning proceedings is the only way to determine whether garages can be placed under Zelný trh or not. During the zoning proceedings, he said, experts such as conservationists, staticians, and others will evaluate the project. "I have clearly stated in the past that if experts say there is a problem, then nothing will be built under Zelný trh," Onderka said today at a press conference. According to him, the city has several options for halting the construction.