The Liberec Region has opened the waterfront, and people can descend to the river via the stairs

Liberec – The dozens of meters long stay staircase allowing access down to the Lužická Nisa river is the most prominent change brought about by the renovation of the space in front of the regional office in the lower center of Liberec. The work lasted over a year and cost almost 155 million crowns. The regional office received a European grant of 43 million crowns for the improvement of its surroundings, which previously served mainly as a parking lot. It has been transformed into a place for relaxation and socializing, said regional governor Martin Půta at the ceremonial opening.

"It will serve not only visitors of the Liberec region building but also residents of Liberec, and I believe tourists as well," said the governor.

In addition to the stay staircase, there is also a new bridge over the river, a sculpture by Magdalena Jetelová in the form of four giant legs, a fountain, and a children's playground. The entrance to the regional office building has been completely renovated, and the adjacent park has also been revitalized. From the end of November, a kiosk with refreshments will also be operational there.

The transformation of the lower center of Liberec has received mixed reviews from people who attended today's opening of the riverside or expressed their opinions on social media. Some appreciate it, while others label it as too gray and unnecessarily expensive. The construction used, among other things, over 1800 tons of Liberec granite. "I understand that some may feel there are too many paved areas here, but it's the case that the paved areas, the hardest ones, are closest to the institutions. Beyond that are the park improvements. There are plantings that you, of course, won't notice now in winter, but once the trees grow and turn green, they will create a pleasant shade and environment," said David Pavlišta, co-author of the project from the re: architects studio, to ČTK.

Some people are also concerned that this place will be occupied by homeless individuals and marginalized people who often stay in the nearby park. The governor believes that the region and the city can maintain order at the riverside. "We are currently addressing the park behind the regional office building in cooperation with the Statutory City of Liberec, which can sometimes be quite lively, especially on weekends, more than we wish. So we will implement some regulatory measures, and we have long-term security in the regional office building, a camera system. And the municipal police will, of course, respond to any direct phone calls here," added Půta.

By building the riverside, the region continued from the recently completed construction of a parking garage for 246 million crowns, which relocated a significant portion of traffic from its surroundings. The contract for the reclamation of the space at the regional office was originally awarded to CL-Evans for 130 million crowns; after its withdrawal from the competition, the modifications were carried out by Gardenline. The region was originally supposed to pay 142 million to them, but additional work increased the price by about 13 million.

Work on the riverside will continue next year. A section on the opposite bank, which belongs to the city, will also be revitalized. The city hall plans to re-cultivate the path, build a promenade with seating, and remove the parking lot, which will be replaced by a park.