Wenceslas Square, "Václavák" or Horse Market, as one of the main squares in the New Town used to be called in the past, will undergo significant changes. What is likely the most frequented location in Prague, where significant demonstrations and many historical events took place, will see a major reconstruction that has been overdue for years. The new design will return the trams to the upper part of the square, there will also be more greenery, a separate lane for cyclists and the number of parking spaces will be reduced. This seems to be something to look forward to. Or not?
After their return to the upper part of the Wenceslas Square in Prague, trams will be using the same route of as today's roadways for cars. In the past, the tracks were located in the center of the square. The changes will be set into motion in 2022, taking about a year worth of work.
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Design of the transformation of Wenceslas Square.Source: Magistrát hl. m. Prahy
“The tracks will not lead through the center of the square, as they used to in the past. On the contrary, we want to create a high-quality public space. The rails should run along the edges, basically in the space where cars run now. When the trams return there, it will allow us to give the space we have connected with taxi drivers and handlers back to the locals,"
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said Deputy Mayor Adam Scheinherr.
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Prague residents will also be able to enjoy the pedestrian promenade in the middle of the square.Source: Magistrát hl. m. Prahy
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Visualization of Wenceslas Square reconstructionSource: Magistrát hl. m. Prahy
Prague just like in the old days
Trams had disappeared from the square at the beginning of the 1980s. More than ten years ago, the Cigler-Marani office won the architectural competition for the transformation the entire square.
“I expect that by the end of 2021 we could have all the necessary permits. At the beginning of 2022 we could start building and at the turn of 2022 and 2023 everything could be finished,"
Scheinherr concluded.
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Visualization of Wenceslas Square reconstructionSource: Magistrát hl. m. Prahy
The costs are estimated to be around 250 million crowns; the exact amount is unknown. However, the reconstruction of the lower part at the intersection of Vodičkova and Jindřišská streets should start a little earlier.
“It is our priority to turn the transformation of Wenceslas Square into something real, not just a project on paper. The bottom of the square will begin to change as soon as next spring,”
