In Žďár n. S., the reconstruction of the square should start next year

Žďár nad Sázavou - Next year, a reconstruction of the central square in Žďár nad Sázavou is expected to begin at a cost of 45 million crowns. The square will be newly paved, and new street furniture and greenery will be added. However, the project, which is over three years old, is not liked by some people, and the working group formed with the support of the town hall can still propose changes. The evaluation of its activities has now sparked a long debate among the councilors. Deputy Mayor Jaromír Brychta (OSD) criticized the fact that there are no experts in the group.
According to Brychta, there is not a single architect in the twelve-member team evaluating the professionally prepared project, and there is only one construction expert. "Essentially, laypeople are discussing the results of a competition involving 17 architectural firms," he told journalists today. According to Deputy Mayor Ladislav Bárta (TOP 09), the group includes people who are interested in the square. Their suggestions, in his opinion, should help improve the functionality of the square. However, the councilors believe that the group's recommendations are still too vague.
The revitalization of Republic Square has been debated in the city for an entire decade. A project, including a building permit, is ready. According to Brychta, some people believe that life can be restored to the square, as it was before its reconstruction. However, in his opinion, this will not be possible. "The center lost its genius loci in 1975 when the old buildings that were there were demolished during the previous regime," he stated. The newly built multi-story department stores correspond, according to him, to the shopping trend of the 1970s and do not attract customers much anymore.
The renewal of the square will be preceded by the reconstruction of sewers. The work, costing up to 12 million, should be completed by this summer. The city is now selecting a contractor for this construction. The company will lay pipes at a depth of four meters and will also have to deal with the remains of old cellars under the square.