The space at Saint Thomas in Brno will transform from a parking lot into a park

Brno - The area near St. Thomas Church in the center of Brno will be transformed from a parking lot into a recreational space with trees, sculptures, and benches. The study proposing the redevelopment has been approved by Brno's city council. The replacement of the paving, tree planting, and other modifications are set to begin in 2009. However, it will depend on whether a parking garage can be built nearby, Mayor Roman Onderka told reporters today.
    The new design for part of Moravian Square was proposed by architect Petr Hrůša. According to the mayor, the two-year-old study will now be revised so that the public can express their opinions on it. Along with the documents for the redevelopment of the square, materials for the construction of a parking garage near the Janáček Theatre will also be prepared. According to Onderka, cars from St. Thomas Church are supposed to move there.
    The area between the church and the Scala cinema is currently covered with asphalt and used as a parking lot. In the future, it will be paved with granite tiles, and several tree rows will be planted along the edges. The sculptures of the four virtues are also intended to evoke a sense of relaxation. The equestrian statue of Margrave Jošt of Luxembourg will symbolize courage, while other works will represent justice, temperance, and wisdom.
    Each of the statues is expected to cost around three million korunas, according to the mayor. The equestrian statue will be more expensive, with politicians estimating costs of five to seven million. A foundation has already been established for its funding. "We will approach sponsors from the ranks of entrepreneurs and municipalities to collect as much money as possible," Onderka stated.
    New statues are also expected to decorate other squares in Brno in the coming years. A statue of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart will be placed in Zelný Trh, where he once performed as a child in the local Reduta theater. Its design is known, but the statue will be installed only after the reconstruction of the area. Near the Mahen Theatre, a statue of Thomas Alva Edison will be erected in memory of its electrification.