Vsetín will announce an architectural competition for the design of the square

Vsetín - Vsetín will announce an architectural competition for a new design of Svobody Square and the adjacent Svárov street. The city council members agreed on this based on the results of a survey in which residents expressed their opinions on the current studies developed by Block. The proposals evoked various reactions from the public, reported the spokesperson of the Vsetín town hall, Eva Stejskalová.
According to her, nearly three hundred people commented on the proposals. Almost half of them supported the option that treated Svobody Square as a composition of various areas offering opportunities for stay, movement, aesthetic experience, and relaxation. "The second alternative, which emphasized existing communication routes and proposed a glass twin of the town hall, appealed to a third of the respondents," said Stejskalová.
About a third of the survey respondents, however, had reservations about the presented studies. Most commonly, people criticized the connection between the town hall and the cultural house, the lack of greenery, and the limited choice of options. Some would prefer the funds to be used elsewhere, such as for the construction of apartments or a retirement home.
According to Stejskalová, differing opinions exist among the city representatives as well. Therefore, the town hall ultimately decided to announce an architectural competition. The conditions for the competition will be developed by the investment and development department as decided by the council. "The winning design that emerges from the competition will then serve as the basis for submitting a request for a European grant," stated Mayor Květoslava Othová. The city intends to submit the application in mid-next year.
The Vsetín town hall has been considering the reconstruction of Svobody Square and the surrounding area of the cultural house for several years. The reason is the poor condition of the communications in the area and the necessary removal of barriers. "Citizens rightfully point this out. If everything goes according to plan, the people of Vsetín could expect the new square and its surroundings by 2009," concluded Stejskalová.