H. Králové is preparing an architectural competition for a new square on the site of the former tannery

Hradec Králové - Hradec Králové has begun preparing an architectural and urban planning competition for a new square in the Kukleny district on the western edge of the city. The square is to be created on the site of the former tanning factory and become the center of the entire developing neighborhood. Architects are expected to design a residential block on the square and a footbridge that leads from the square across the park and the Malý labský náhon. This was stated by Adam Záruba (Change for Hradec), the deputy mayor for spatial planning, urbanism, and architecture.

The dilapidated building of the former tannery from the 19th century in the Kukleny district was demolished by the city in 2023. From the original extensive factory complex built of red brick, only the chimney remains as a reminder. As early as 2014, the city had the characteristic clock tower removed from the factory hall, which is now stored in a warehouse at the airport.

The residential block on the square, which is located near the arterial Prague Road, is planned to be built by the city as cooperative housing. According to Záruba, the city would like to start preparing the construction of the building in 2026.

The city hall aims to have the terms of the architectural competition finished by autumn. The organizer of the competition will be the Prague-based company MOBA studio. The city estimated the costs of organizing the competition at 4.2 million korunas, with the largest portion, 2.5 million korunas, allocated for awards for the participants. The city hopes to obtain a grant from the Ministry of Regional Development for the competition.

In the vicinity of the former tannery, the Hradec Králové development company Noho had previously announced a residential project consisting of about 220 apartments. The first building, Cihlovka 1, with 22 apartments was completed by the company in Kukleny in 2021, and the building Cihlovka 2, with 48 apartments, was completed in 2023. Recently, the Thera apartment building with 65 apartments has also risen near the Cihlovka buildings.

In response to the growing residential construction in Kukleny, the city hall has already constructed a park behind the municipal library branch on Prague Road. The park, costing nearly 12 million korunas excluding VAT, is expected to be finished by the end of the year. At the same time, the city is preparing the renovation of the Malý labský náhon in the area, which will enhance the protection of the region against flooding.