Czech Lípa is preparing a reconstruction of Škroupovo Square, looking for a supplier

Česká Lípa - Česká Lípa is preparing a reconstruction of Škroupovo Square, looking for contractors. The cost of the square's renewal, including the staircase leading to Jindřicha z Lipé Street and Prokopa Holého and Tržní Streets, has been estimated by designers at 78.6 million crowns, with work scheduled for two years, said Kristýna Kňákal Brožová, a spokesperson for the city hall, to ČTK today. Interested parties can submit their bids for the construction by September 2.

"We are trying to create a pleasant public space in the city where people feel good and safe, both in the center and in the housing estates and other parts of the city. Moreover, many events are held in Česká Lípa, and Škroupovo Square will be well-suited for organizing them. I believe that the new square will attract many new people to the center, which will not only help improve the atmosphere of this place but also bring customers to local businesses," added mayor Jitka Volfová (ANO).

The reconstruction of Škroupovo Square has been discussed in Česká Lípa for over ten years, and in 2019 the city hall announced an architectural competition for the project, receiving 14 proposals. The winning design is from the Brno studio M2AU. The square is set to be transformed into a quiet zone with plenty of greenery, shade, benches, while also having sufficient space for organizing smaller cultural events and various types of markets. Parking spaces will be reduced. "Currently, there are about 60 spaces, and it should be reduced to about ten," added deputy mayor Martin Brož (ANO).

Škroupovo Square is an archaeologically very valuable site. According to the spokesperson, the reconstruction will include a complete replacement of surfaces and public lighting, solutions for rainwater management, a water feature, new furnishings, and landscaping. "All this under the supervision of archaeologists, who are anticipating possible finds during the excavation work," she added. There used to be a Church of St. Peter and Paul on the square, which was lost during the fires in the city at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries, its layout will be commemorated in the square's pavement.

Work has been underway in this part of the city since spring. "The North Bohemian Waterworks Company started working on the reconstruction of the water supply and sewage system in Prokopa Holého Street, which were in poor condition, and the city is also working on the storm sewer system. The work will progress towards Škroupovo Square. We are glad that we managed to combine both technically and executionally demanding projects into one," stated Brož. The subsequent reconstruction of the square will be divided into phases, with completion expected in September 2027.