The square in Polička will have a statue of the composer, a fountain, and an underground reservoir after the renovation

Polička - After five years of preparation, the renovation of Bohuslav Martinů Square has begun in Polička in the Svitavy region. The city started considering its restoration when the costly renovation of St. Jacob's Church was completed, where the composer was born in the church tower's room. The city hall opted for atypical furnishings, a fountain, an underground water tank, and a statue of a small boy with a violin. Marta Mastná, the head of the department of urban planning, development, and the environment, told ČTK this.

The city has had the study ready since 2021, proposed by architect Přemysl Kokeš and greenery specialist Zuzana Ambrožová. "It was clear from the beginning that this wouldn't just be a visual exchange of the surface and the addition of greenery," said Mastná.

The proposed elements refer to the famous native, including a statue of the young composer running home with his little violins, and then a fountain. Water from the fountain will flow into Riegrova Street, evoking the "Opening of Springs," the famous cantata by Bohuslav Martinů.

An underground water tank will be constructed, which the city hall will use to water the municipal greenery. Gardeners will plant 26 trees in a special substrate more suitable for the city, where there's not much room for roots. "The limited conditions will be alleviated by automatic irrigation. Cultivars suitable for the local climate and urban environment were selected," Mastná said.

The city wanted to start construction in 2022 and 2023, but construction costs rose sharply. Later, the city managed to obtain an 85 percent grant. The selected company will carry out the investment for more than 47 million crowns, said Mayor Jaroslav Martinů (ODS).

"The excavations of the cemetery are beautifully visible, and the construction company has removed surfaces and is at work. We should manage everything in time. It is a historical gem of our city; after 20 years of renewing the city center, it symbolically concludes the entire historical core," Martinů said.

The start of construction was preceded by archaeological research that revealed a medieval layered cemetery. To save space, the deceased were buried in layers on top of each other. Archaeologists will continue to work at the church, and the construction company has also begun working in phases. The works will require closures until the end of August 2026, when everything should be completed.

Currently, the area in front of the church has been closed since spring, and starting in July, the entire Bohuslav Martinů Square will also be closed. After some time, supply deliveries and access for residents living there will be allowed by arrangement. From September, it is expected that traffic will be possible across the square from Václavská and Riegerova Streets. By January next year, the streets around the square should be passable.