The Českobudějovice councilors are looking for a use for Marian Square

České Budějovice - The city councilors of České Budějovice are seeking architectural utilization for the lucrative area of Mariánské náměstí. Currently, it hosts one of the largest parking lots in the city, and alongside green spaces, there are three buildings. It is the last undeveloped area next to the historical center of the city. The answer to what should be built there in the future will come from a competition that the city will announce at the end of September, Mayor Juraj Thoma (ODS) told reporters today.
    "It is a very attractive space that has historically been built upon. What we know today as the open area of the square is a new form that emerged only in the second half of the 20th century after the demolition of the standing structures. At that time, there was a vision that a new building for the South Bohemian Theatre should be located here. However, that vision was never fulfilled. The area still acts, on one hand, as an entrance before the entry into the historical center, while on the other hand, it completely falls out of the block development of the Mariánské suburb," Thoma told ČTK.
    The council will try to find a use for the space through an architectural competition. Individual applicants, according to the mayor, should submit their proposals in the form of a land use study, which will address not only the type of the new structure but also the traffic relations on the adjacent busy streets, including a transfer hub between the city and suburban public transport. It should also address the deficit of about 400 parking spaces, Thoma described.
    "I expect that all who enter the competition will come up with bold and unconventional solutions, because this place truly deserves it. It may also happen that the city council does not select any project," he added. The competition will last at least 18 weeks. According to him, it would be ideal if a multifunctional building stands on the site.