Silver is repairing the square, removing the asphalt, and returning the paving

Stříbro (Tachov region) - By the middle of next year, the historic center of Stříbro in the Tachov region is set to gain a new look. The town hall of the former mining town with a population of eight thousand started the revitalization of the square at the end of last year, costing around 40 million crowns. The majority of expenses will be covered by EU subsidies. Among other things, the square will lose its wavy asphalt surface, which will be replaced by paving, said Mayor Bohuslav Červený today to ČTK.
Plans for the revitalization of the large rectangular area have been prepared by the town for several years and were adopted by the previous town leadership. "There was a lot of discussion around the project at the turn of 2010 and 2011, as many people, including several councilors, were opposed to it," said the mayor. However, they eventually agreed on modifying the area according to the already accepted project. Not all residents are completely satisfied with it. Some criticize the significant reduction in the number of parking spaces, while others are bothered by certain new elements.
The revitalization anticipates the introduction of two shallow water areas and a fountain to enliven the space. The mayor is also candid about his concerns that the water features will attract litter and create additional maintenance issues and costs for the city. "I am convinced that (the revitalization) will bring a beautiful environment, people will get used to it and will be happy to have a beautiful square. But there are elements that do not harmonize with the historic core of the town," he believes.
The area will receive new paving, and the square will remain accessible to traffic. In addition to the water areas and a relaxation zone with seating and greenery, a plague column will be the centerpiece, for the reconstruction of which the city intends to apply for state subsidies. During the survey of the square, archaeologists also discovered layers of original paving, including rare Gothic pavement. According to the mayor, only about two other towns in the country have similarly preserved Gothic pavement. Therefore, the town hall is considering covering a portion of this original pavement with hardened glass to make it visible.
The revitalization will also, according to Červený, lead to a significant reduction in parking spaces. There are expected to be around forty left in the square, which is about half of the current number. The city has thus already operationalized a new parking area for nearly 40 cars, located 200 meters from the square.
The original plans for the revitalization estimated costs of around 55 million crowns, but a more favorable price was achieved in the tender process.