The largest housing estate in České Budějovice is awaiting modernization

České Budějovice - The Máj Neighborhood in České Budějovice is set to undergo significant transformation in the next four to five years. In the area, where one-fifth of the residents of the South Bohemian metropolis live predominantly in panel houses on 61 hectares, new recreational spaces, greenery, and parking spots will be added. The modifications in Máj will cost around 135 million crowns. The city hall intends to obtain the majority of the funding from the state. Construction is expected to begin next year. The project was approved by the city council today.
    The project is divided into six phases. In the dense development, a central park and square will gradually be created. The plan also includes the construction of a skate park and a large traffic playground. In total, four new playgrounds will be built in the largest neighborhood in Budějovice. Ten will be repaired and expanded. There is also a plan to plant 1,400 mature trees.
    The architects who worked on the project met with the residents of Máj several times and incorporated their feedback into the project. "The survey assessed opinions on the quality of life, focusing on what people are least satisfied with. Most commonly mentioned were poor parking, a lack of leisure activities, and insufficient space for relaxation," said architect Luboš Zemen. According to him, the neighborhood also lacks a center where people could gather.
    The study addresses only public spaces, as the houses in the neighborhood do not belong to the city. Currently, residents lack approximately 2,400 parking spots, and after the redevelopment, the parking capacity will increase by 1,100 spaces. According to councilor Yvona Závorová (SZ/SOS), it would be best to build parking garages or off-street parking lots on the outskirts of the neighborhood. "Máj is the most fertile neighborhood in the city. Already, four-fifths of allergic children live here. When more cars arrive, it will be five-fifths," stated the doctor.
    The central park above the multiplex cinema will be the first to be created, with its completion expected in 2008. This will be followed by the development of the western part of the neighborhood and the construction of a central square. The modernization is anticipated to be completed by 2012. "There is some funding for the regeneration of panel housing estates in the budget, so if we fail to secure grants from the funds, something will begin to be built from our budget. We cannot just keep waiting," said Deputy Mayor Ivana Popelová some time ago.