The modifications to Malostranské Square are estimated to cost 73.5 million CZK

Prague - The long-planned adjustments to Prague's Malostranské Square are estimated to cost the city 73.5 million crowns excluding VAT. Today, the council approved the launch of a public tender for construction work. After the adjustments, the parking lot in the upper part of the square will be removed, sidewalks will be widened, and the driving lanes for cars will be narrowed. According to predictions, the work could start later this year. The adjustment project is based on a design that won an architectural competition in 2014. Prague has been planning adjustments to other squares in the city center for some time, for example, Wenceslas Square.

According to the approved document, the aim of the adjustments is to limit automobile traffic and improve the situation for pedestrians. A new fountain, benches, and other furniture will be placed in the space, and trees will be planted. According to the municipality, the project aims to preserve the historical appearance as much as possible, including the original lamps, pavement, the plague column, and the hand pump.

The city has already reconstructed the tram tracks in the square, around which new pavement has been placed, which will be installed throughout the entire area after the comprehensive renovation. An archaeological survey has also been conducted. According to experts, the square was home to the first settlement that became the foundation for the settlement of the territory of Prague.

In preparing the adjustments, the city relied on a project submitted by architects Martin Hájek, Václav Hájek, and Petr Horský, who succeeded in the international architectural competition in 2014. As early as 2016, the city removed the parking lot in the lower part of the square and attempted to organize cultural events there, but without much public interest.

Prague also plans adjustments to other significant squares. This year, work is expected to begin on the reconstruction of the lower part of Wenceslas Square for 326.6 million crowns. Plans also include adjustments to the upper part, for which it is still unclear when they will commence. The transformation of Karlovo Square has also been in preparation for a long time, and there have also been discussions about the reconstruction of Jan Palach Square in the past.