The Zlín Town Hall is preparing the reconstruction of Míru Square for hundreds of millions

Zlín - The Zlín City Hall is preparing for the reconstruction of the Peace Square. The first phase primarily involves the construction of an underground parking garage, new surfaces, furniture, and the creation of a smaller colonnade, which will also feature a stage and a space for outdoor exhibitions. In the second phase, partial construction of the area is also being considered. The renovation of the square could start in 2022, with the first phase expected to last about a year. The project is expected to cost hundreds of millions of crowns, said Mayor Jiří Korec (ANO) to reporters today. The modernization will most likely be carried out according to the design of the Brno studio P.P. Architects, which won the public anonymous competition.

"According to the jury's evaluation, this proposal represents the most suitable way to use the addressed area both in terms of the scale and distribution of the buildings, as well as in terms of defining a clear and usable structure of public spaces," stated the jury. A total of 24 proposals entered the competition, with six advancing to the second round. People will be able to see the proposals at an exhibition in the Zlín Castle. The Peace Square is a natural center of the city, hosting many events. The last significant change was in 2001, when sales stalls were removed from the square.

The underground parking garage, which could have up to 327 spaces according to the proposal, is also expected to involve private investors, with whom the city is negotiating. The entrance and exit should be from T. Bati Boulevard at the current location of the public toilets. Due to the parking garage, a pit eight meters deep, 70 meters wide and long will need to be excavated.

The city is also planning adjustments to the adjacent streets Bartošova and Rašínova, which could be repaired before the construction of the parking garage. After its completion, the surfaces of the square and its equipment will be adjusted. Then the space in front of the church, where the parking lot should be removed and turned into a relaxation zone, will be addressed.

The second phase, which includes the construction along T. Bati Boulevard, is currently more of a vision that the city council will discuss. According to the proposal, the building should be based on the colonnade structure. The building could house cafes, shops, offices, and apartments are not excluded. According to Deputy Mayor Pavel Brady (ANO), there is also a possibility that the city council could use the spaces. According to jury member and head of the spatial planning department of the city hall Ivo Tuček, most competition proposals accounted for some form of development in the square. However, in the near future, construction of houses in this area is not possible due to the existing zoning plan.

Preparations for the modernization of the square are expected to take one or two years according to Tuček. In 2022, Zlín will commemorate the 700th anniversary of the first written mention of the city, and a number of events are planned, so the renovation of the square should begin after the celebrations.