“Václavák” as a showcase of Prague? Mayor: The most important thing is to revive the passages
Of the three reclamations, the most advanced is the one on Wenceslas Square, where work began last year. Today, the new paving is laid on most of the third of the lower part of the square, and according to Hlaváček, this year it will be possible to modernize the entire area up to Vodičkova and Jindřišská streets. “The recent agreement also stipulated that part of the tree line on the right side of the original plan would be preserved and the trees changed gradually,” said the deputy and professional architect, who responds to the main transformation of the metropolis’ heart “in a more friendly place.
“Not only did the surface of the square with its old roads and parking spaces, but also the contents of the local houses and palaces, fall significantly. When I was a little boy, if you want someone to buy a shirt or pants, the first choice was Wenceslas Square. No Chodov or Černý most, “Hlaváček commented on the genesis of the significance of Wenceslas Square.
The Mayor of Prague 1 Petr Hejma (We, What We Live Here / STAN) then sees the key to reviving the locality outside the main area. “We need to restore life in the passages, because the strongest communication has traditionally taken place there,” Hejma warned. According to the municipality, the work on “Václavák” is progressing in accordance with the winning design of the CMA studio, which emerged from the urban design competition in 2005.
At their last meeting last year, councilors approved a new look for Mariánské náměstí from the Xtopix architectural studio. The study, in which the city’s Institute of Planning and Development (IPR Prague) collaborated, also envisages the modification of the surrounding streets and squares of Franz Kafka. The proposal, which was presented to citizens last September, is based in part on their demands that the small square in the heart of Prague become a place of rest and a zone for organizing cultural events. According to Hlaváček, the work should start by the end of next year and the estimated costs of revitalizing the square itself are estimated at about 90 million crowns.
“Sherwood” as a gateway to Prague? Shame!
So far, the desired modifications leading to the improvement of the foyer of the main train station are the furthest to be implemented. Vrchlického sady or the so-called “Sherwood” is one of the most problematic places in the city, among other reasons due to the high concentration of drug addicts and petty crime. At the same time, according to the city, the establishment of a tram connection between Vinohradská třída and Senovážné náměstí in this area is very desirable, also due to the need to lighten the most congested tram junctions on Charles Square and Lazarská.
For these reasons, Prague has entered a competitive dialogue on the premises of “Sherwood”, modeled on Charles Square. Thanks to this, Petr Hlaváček wants to have a clear idea of what a public public space should look like in comparison by the end of this election period (2022).
“Ever since I was at the town hall of the first part of the city, I have been faithful to the long-term strategy of dividing the center into certain microsegments and trying to return them to their original historical form and color. In the case of the so-called Sherwood, I perceive it as high time for its transformation, because the appearance of this entrance gate to Prague is a bit of a shame for the city, “added Mayor Hejma.