Uherské Hradiště will begin the renovation of the Štěpnice housing estate in September for 90 million CZK

Uherské Hradiště – Uherské Hradiště will begin modernization of the Štěpnice housing estate in mid-September for over 90 million crowns. The plan includes the renovation of roads, parking spaces, sidewalks, and public areas with a focus on better management of rainwater and creating a higher quality environment for residents. Dagmar Vacková from the Uherské Hradiště town hall stated this in a press release today.

"This summer has shown us once again that high temperatures, drought, or heavy rainfall are not just an issue of the distant future, but we must learn to cope with them today. That is why we are considering how to better prepare the city for changing climatic conditions and how the area will function in many years to come,” said Mayor Stanislav Blaha (ODS).

In Štěpnice, as well as in other areas of the city, impervious surfaces are being gradually replaced with permeable ones, allowing rainwater to seep directly on-site. "We are adding greenery wherever local conditions and technical infrastructure allow," Blaha added. Near the kindergarten, a water feature with six jets will be created, complementing two drinking fountains.

Plans include planting more than 30 trees, adding bushes, and flower beds. New recreational areas will also be established between residential buildings, a network of stepping stone paths partially connecting with naturally worn trails, and new elements for leisure activities, Vacková said.

According to the plan, work will begin in mid-September, and it should be completed by the summer of next year. The town hall has secured a European grant of 46.5 million crowns for the renewal of the housing estate. The city will follow up the project with a public contract for furniture and play elements. Three years ago, the town hall spent 15 million crowns to replace surface parking areas and repair roads around residential buildings numbered 1087 to 1092.

A similar large-scale regeneration like Štěpnice is also expected for other major housing estates in the city. "The Jarošov – Louky housing estate is currently in the project preparation phase, we have completed a study for the Východ housing estate that we presented to the residents of this local area in the winter. Based on their feedback, we are now making adjustments so that we can proceed to the next phase of preparation,” Blaha stated.