The twenty year wait is over. Prague approved the transformation of Jiří z Poděbrady
The people of Prague come to Jiřího z Poděbrady Square, for example, for famous businesses and cafes, and every Saturday also for farmers’ markets. However, one of the most important and lively squares in the capital has been in an unsatisfactory state for a long time, and its transformation has been talked about for more than twenty years. Now these plans will finally come to fruition.
The Capital City Council approved funding for the revitalization of the square, the project behind which is the studio MCA atelier. the resulting form is also reflected by the involvement of the public. Since Prague considers this project to be important for the entire city, the district of Prague 3, where the square is located, agreed with the capital that the reconstruction will be implemented from the budget of the capital.
“Náměstí Jiřího z Poděbrady is a public space of city-wide importance, which also directly connects to Vinohradská street, which is one of the city’s most important streets. Jiřího z Poděbrady thus has great cultural significance and people spend a lot of time here. Due to the current state, however, the square cannot be fully used. Therefore, based on many negotiations, we decided that its restoration will be financed from the budget of the capital city,” comments Deputy Mayor Petr Hlaváček.
The current state and architectural appearance of the square was gradually created by non-conceptual modifications since the seventies. The modification of the park has never been completed in a unified concept since its inception, all modifications, on the contrary, fragmented the image of Jiří z Poděbrady even more. Because of these interventions, the site is no longer suitable for its occupancy or use.
New greenery will be added to the square and the environment will be unified
The aim of the new transformation of the square is to create a dignified forecourt of the Church of the Sacred Heart of the Lord and to improve the passability of the square and the safety of residents. A smaller “square” will be created in front of the church, which will be used for public events. Avenues of plane trees will line the paved area in front of the church.
According to the new proposal, new trees, greenery, an irrigation system working with rainwater are to be added to the square, and the fountain is to be restored. The proposal also includes improving the irrigation method and improving the quality of green areas, including the construction of a retention tank.
“Everything will then respect city standards for both rainwater management and tree rows. The renovation addresses the entire square comprehensively, including technical infrastructure and furniture,” adds Ondřej Boháč, director of the Prague Institute of Planning and Development.
“The main attraction for the residents are the traditional markets, which of course are expected. They will move further from the primary school. Furthermore, the renovation of the children’s playground is also planned, which will be expanded and will have new game elements and water attractions. The square will also be complemented by barrier-free access to the subway, which is already under construction.” adds Jiří Ptáček, mayor of Prague 3.