<translation>Žamberk plans to transform the square, there should be fewer cars and more space for people</translation>

Žamberk - Masaryk Square in Žamberk in the Orlickoústecko region should, in the future, become a space more for people than for cars. It may be freed from many elements that have accumulated there over generations. This was stated by architect Tomáš Kubelka, who, along with colleagues, designed the winning proposal for the square's renovation.

The city commission selected from 24 proposals and chose the study by Tomáš Kubelka, Viktor Beran Kákoš, Alice Boušková, and Linda Svobodová as the winner. "Choosing a winner from so many quality proposals was very challenging. Personally, I had several favorites right from the start. There was a lively debate throughout the day, comparing and evaluating," said Deputy Mayor Ondřej Jireš (Žamberecká Democratic Coalition).

The disadvantage of the square is that it is traversed by the I/11 road, which significantly burdens it with traffic and divides it. The construction of a bypass is still nowhere in sight. "The city has taken a reasonable approach to parking, slightly reducing the current state. However, it respects the fact that cars drive in the square so that businesses in the square can continue to thrive," said the architect.

Currently, the square can be circled around. The architects are trying to reduce this so that cars can drive along the main road, Nádražní Street, and in front of the town hall. The parking lot in front of the hotel and bakery should disappear. Instead, linden trees could be planted. "This would create two streets for cars, along which parking would be allowed. The rest would remain for pedestrian movement," said Kubelka.

Thanks to these changes, the square could function as a cohesive whole. The part with the fountain, plague column, and linden trees will not undergo significant changes. However, the architects plan to demolish a three-quarter-meter-high concrete wall that separates the parking spaces but prevents people from going directly into the park. "We would also like to create a space in front of the town hall where various events, markets, and the lighting of the Christmas tree can take place. It is the most peaceful and most shielded spot from the main road," said Kubelka.

The architects' proposal no longer includes the mature spruce that decorates the town during Advent and serves as the Christmas tree. Gradually, however, it is aging and does not have a top. "The tree now somewhat impedes the holding of events. It will then be up for discussion whether to plant a new tree there or, conversely, to go for a freer space and bring a smaller tree for Christmas," said Kubelka.

According to the proposal, the square also deserves a change of surfaces. Currently, there are granite cobblestones, asphalt areas, and concrete curbs. The architects would prefer the square to have only paving. The road will remain asphalt, as the material is more practical for traffic; paving is noisier. Moreover, the roadway belongs to the state.

People will see the competition proposals this spring at an exhibition and through the website and social media. There will be a public presentation of the selected proposal along with its authors. The second place in the competition went to the M2AU studio, and the third place to Landa Ruhmkorf. The preparation for the square's renovation will take several more years. "Such complex projects are realized more than ten years after the competition, which, I hope, will not be our case and that we will see progress sooner," said Deputy Mayor Jireš.