The adjustments to the lower part of Wenceslas Square will begin in 2018

Prague - Adjustments to the lower part of Wenceslas Square will begin in 2018, with completion expected within three to five months. The costs for Prague are estimated to be between 150 and 200 million crowns. The Czech News Agency was informed about this by the Association of the New Town of Prague in a press release. Prague 1 requested the issuance of a zoning decision in September, which is a prerequisite for obtaining a building permit. The square will be transformed according to the architectural design of Cigler Marani Architects, with adjustments planned for years.

The architects modified the original design, which is over ten years old. "Compared to the competition proposal and the documentation for the zoning decision submitted in 2012, the accessibility of the space has been increased, which is now designed with minimal height differences between the roadway and the sidewalk," stated architect Jakub Cigler.

There will be more benches, fountains, drinking water sources, and trees in the square. "Platanus trees were chosen, which do not pollute the surrounding area with sticky pollen and do not attract aphids," said Jan Adámek from the Association of the New Town of Prague. The flowerbed in the middle of the square will be removed, and the surface of the square will be made of split granite paving, limestone mosaics, and granite cubes.

Once the city hall obtains the building permit, it will also begin planning the transformation of the upper part of the square. "Wenceslas Square has historically been one of the most important public spaces in Prague, but due to many insensitive adjustments, it has lost its social function," stated Mayor Adriana Krnáčová (ANO).

The repair of Wenceslas Square has been discussed by Prague officials for several years. Cigler Marani Architects developed a project for the entire square in 2005. It is unclear when the repair of the second part of the square will follow. For instance, the leadership of Prague considered bringing trams back to the square, which was ultimately rejected for the lower part of the square. "The design is prepared in such a way as to allow future generations to reintroduce trams here," added architect Ciegler. Conversely, the return of trams to the upper part of the square is being considered by the city.

In the past, there was also a dispute about the construction of underground garages and their exits. There will be garages in the square eventually, but they will remain sealed for now.

Wenceslas Square is 682 meters long and approximately 60 meters wide. It was originally named Horse Market and was established by a decree of Charles IV. In the 19th century, it was first renamed St. Wenceslas Square, and later to Wenceslas.