I initiated the long-prepared reconstruction of Goethe Square

Aš (Chebsko) - In Aš, a long-prepared reconstruction of Goethova náměstí has begun, which is set to return the original fountain and the statue of the German poet to it. The city will receive a grant of 15 million crowns from the Regional Operational Program Northwest for the renovation of the square, said Aš Mayor Dalibor Blažek (independent) to reporters today.
    "Currently, work is already underway on the relocation of utility networks, which are the most expensive. The fountain and the statue are currently stored at the technical services, from where they will return to the square after six years," Blažek noted.
    The square changed when the city reconstructed Hlavní street six years ago, and the original features of the square were obstructing the new roadway. Now, the area will again resemble the appearance of the square, but it will not yet be a square. "In the places where four houses once stood, we will leave the land open for future investors who would like to build here. A small café with a terrace would fit in well here. But that will be up to the investors," Blažek stated.
    According to the city's plans, the fountain should be functional again, although it will no longer flow with water from the top of Háj, as it did in the past, but from the water supply network. It will be cleaned and then the bronze statue of Johann Wolfgang Goethe will be patinated.
    Aš also plans to follow the reconstruction of the square with the revitalization of the adjacent housing estate. However, the project is still being completed. "Because construction could start at the earliest in July and its main part would take place in winter, we have agreed with the residents of the housing estate to postpone the contract and choose a contractor only in winter so that they can start in spring," Blažek added.