The renovated square in Prostějov offers people more space and greenery

Prostějov - The renovated T.G. Masaryk Square offers more space and greenery to the residents of Prostějov and visitors to the city, and was ceremoniously opened today after several months of reconstruction. The revitalization of the central square cost nearly 27 million crowns, with most of the expenses covered by a grant from European funds.
    The long-prepared reconstruction of the square began last autumn. The contract was won by the company Skanska in a public competition. "The construction modifications included, among other things, the realization of new granite pavements, irrigation, underground electrical switchboards, and lighting fixtures," said Deputy Mayor Zdeněk Fišer (ČSSD) to reporters today.
    The reconstruction included, for example, 6000 m² of new pavement, planting 2400 m² of lawn, and 520 m² of flower beds, installation of 80 benches, and 17 poles and streetlights. A new irrigation system was also built.
    "For the revitalization of the main Prostějov square, which will cost about 27 million crowns, we managed to obtain a grant of over 18 million crowns from the Regional Operational Program of Central Moravia," noted Fišer.
    Thanks to the reconstruction, the paved area of the square has increased, allowing more people to attend various cultural and social events in the center of Prostějov. A gathering area has been created in front of the museum, a resting spot with trees in its center, and a ceremonial space in front of the town hall. A smaller oak alley has been added to the right side of the square.
    However, the repair of the square did not come without complications. Workers struggled with laying the pavement in the parking lot and the sidewalk in front of the town hall. It was only done correctly on the third attempt, when experienced stonemasons were called in.
    Last year, the city completed the renovation of the town hall building, which cost 75 million crowns. The town hall tower was opened to the public in 2011, and its reconstruction cost five million crowns. An exhibition space was created in the tower, the clock mechanism, drive, and distribution of the orologe's movement were renovated. Another four million crowns were invested into the repair of the historical spaces of the town hall, including the ceremonial hall.
    The city hall, with its richly decorated interiors, which is the dominant feature of the central square, was built in the Art Nouveau style between 1909 and 1914 according to the design of Karel Hugo Kepka. The building includes a 66-meter-high tower.