The reconstruction of Škroupovo Square in Česká Lípa will cost 55.66 million CZK

Česká Lípa - The reconstruction of Škroupovo Square in Česká Lípa will be cheaper. The cost of revitalizing the square, including the stairs leading to Jindřich from Lipá Street and Prokop Holý and Tržní Streets, has been estimated by the designers at 59.21 million Czech crowns. In a public competition, the city received a single offer from Metrostav DIZ, with a price of 55.66 million crowns, which is six percent below the original estimate. This was reported today by the city hall spokeswoman Kristýna Kňákal Brožová. The work is planned for two years.

The reconstruction of Škroupovo Square has been discussed in Česká Lípa for over ten years. In 2019, the city hall announced an architectural competition for the project, receiving 14 proposals. The winning design was from the Brno studio M2AU. The square is set to transform into a relaxation zone with plenty of greenery, shade, benches, as well as a sufficiently large space for smaller cultural events and various kinds of markets. Parking spaces will decrease. "Today there are about 60 spaces, it should be reduced to about ten," added Deputy Mayor Martin Brož (ANO).

Škroupovo Square is an archaeologically very valuable site. According to the spokeswoman, the reconstruction will include a complete replacement of surfaces and public lighting, a solution for rainwater management, a water feature, new furniture, and landscaping. "All of this under the supervision of archaeologists, who are waiting for possible finds during the excavation work," she added. There was also a church of St. Peter and Paul in the square, which was lost during the fires in the city at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries; its layout will be memorialized in the paving of the square.

Work has been ongoing in this part of the city since spring. "The North Bohemian Water Company began work on the reconstruction of water and sewage systems in Prokop Holý Street, which were in poor condition, and the city on the rainwater sewer. The work will continue towards Škroupovo Square. We are glad that we managed to combine both technically and executionally demanding projects into one," Brož stated. The subsequent reconstruction of the square will be divided into phases, with completion expected by September 2027; the city hall wants to apply for a grant from European funds for the project.

According to Brož, the work should build on the reconstructions of water and sewage systems in neighboring streets, and it should be easier because the same company, Metrostav DIZ, is handling both, which will subsequently work on Škroupovo Square. However, the speed of construction will depend on the progress of potential archaeological research. "In the past, there was a large church there, the largest in Česká Lípa, and there used to be a cemetery around the church, so we will see if the archaeologists find anything," Brož added.