The Prague UN Square is set for renovations, scheduled to begin in 2020

Prague - With the reconstruction of the tram line between the Na Břehu stop and the turnoff to the Hloubětín depot, the UN Square will also change, which is to become the center of Prague's Vysočany. City councilors approved a study of modifications to the space on Tuesday, proposing the placement of a tram stop directly on the square, barrier-free modifications, new crossings, sidewalks, benches, and tree planting. The number of parking spaces is to be preserved. This was reported today by the Institute of Planning and Development (IPR). Reconstruction could start in 2020, with costs estimated at 370 million crowns excluding VAT.

"Vysočany is beginning to develop structurally and lacks a central square where locals can meet. I believe that the proposals in the study will help revive the square and make it a pleasant place not only for local residents," said the mayor's deputy for local development, Petra Kolínská (Green/Trojkoalice).

The impetus for the modifications of UN Square is the planned reconstruction of the tram line on Sokolovská and Kolbenova streets, which is scheduled for 2018 to 2019.

UN Square is the main public space in Vysočany, but its current form does not correspond to its significance. The goal of the modifications is, therefore, to transform the square into a city-wide important hub, similar to the Anděl intersection in Prague. Vysočany is currently changing from a predominantly industrial district to a residential one.

Last June, the concept was presented to people on panels placed in UN Square, allowing them to express their opinions. Public administration organizations were also invited to submit comments.

Architect Štěpán Toman from TING Architects described the reconstruction of the square as positive but added: "The question, however, is whether the IPR should be the one processing this study. I understand that it's the easiest solution for Prague, as it eliminates the whole cycle regarding the tendering of the project and communication. On the other hand, there is a risk that if similar projects are primarily handled by IPR, they may fall into some sort of stereotype. UN Square is not an insignificant space, and in my opinion, it would benefit from a public competition."

A private investor plans to build three residential buildings and an office building on UN Square. Local residents opposed this, fearing insufficient parking spaces and the reduction of the current park. Since 1999, the parcel has been designated as a building site in the land-use plan. "This is the fifth project proposal that I have seen during my time in office," said Matek Doležal (TOP 09), the councilor for urban development in Prague 9, regarding the investor's plan.

The firm STRM Beta wants to build the complex of buildings, whose shareholder is Orco Property Group. Last year it was purchased by the CPI Property Group of billionaire Radovan Vítek. CPI is among the largest real estate investors in the Czech Republic.