Vlašim has begun the reconstruction of the city center

Vlašim (Benešovsko) - A major reconstruction of the historical center of Vlašim has begun. It includes modifications to three squares, the courtyard of the castle, and adjacent roadways. The total cost of the project exceeds 100 million crowns, with nearly 90 million crowns funded by a grant from the Regional Operational Program. The work is expected to be completed by May 2010, said project manager Petr Zapletal to ČTK.
    The squares Žižkovo, Palackého, and Husovo will undergo extensive changes. The castle courtyard will receive a new surface, which will also provide access to the rampart, where new toilets and a bike storage facility for visitors to the castle and castle park will be built.
    The goal of the project is to restore the economic, social, and urban-aesthetic role of the historical center of Vlašim, thereby contributing to the improvement of the quality of life for the city's residents and increasing its attractiveness to visitors. The project also includes a roundabout at Husovo Square, modifications to the roadways and drainage, the widening of sidewalks and pedestrian areas. There are also plans for the construction of a playground at Žižkov Square, renovation of public lighting, revitalization of greenery, and modifications to engineering networks.
    According to Zapletal, the appearance of Vlašim's center has been negatively affected by insensitive urban interventions in the second half of the 20th century, when the original 19th-century buildings were demolished and replaced by panel houses. Services, shops, and offices gradually moved to this part of the city, causing the once-natural centers at Žižkov and Palackého Squares to lose their significance.
    The city will soon also begin the reconstruction of the former, monumentally protected old town hall. A leisure center for children and youth will be created within it. The cost of its construction is over 56 million crowns, of which 52 million crowns will also be covered by a grant from the Regional Operational Program.
    Vlašim received grants from the European Union for 13 projects from 2004 to 2008, totaling nearly 250 million crowns.