Plzeň is completing a modular parking house in the Lochotín housing estate

Plzeň – Plzeň is completing the Atom parking garage with 173 spaces in the Lochotín housing estate, where parking is the most difficult in the city. The three-story building was constructed by the city on the parking lot near the shopping center on Sokolovská Street. The number of parking spaces will increase by about 100. The construction is expected to cost 92 million crowns excluding VAT. It is a light modular structure partially buried into the ground, which allows for better use of space, said deputy mayor Pavel Bosák (Pirates). According to him, it is a cheaper and quicker construction option than conventional panel parking garages with elevators and restrooms.

"We will take over the construction on May 25, and the occupancy permit will be ready by July 1, when it will be fully operational. Interested parties can apply for parking spots from April 1," said Bosák. According to him, the contract price of the construction will increase slightly. The building will feature a green facade with climbing plants. "It will be supplemented with flower boxes at the edges of the roofs, which will be irrigated with harvested rainwater," he stated.

A similar modular parking garage will be built next year on Hodonínská Street in the Vinice housing estate. "It has already been designed, and we are waiting for the building permit. We have allocated funds in the budget for this year, so we will start seeking suppliers in the second half of the year," said Bosák. According to Mayor Roman Zarzycký (ANO), the need for parking spaces in Plzeň, especially in housing estates, is constantly increasing, but the city does not want to build new spaces at the expense of greenery. Therefore, it is preparing to construct additional parking garages.

On Thursday, the council approved the rules for allocating spaces in the Atom parking garage as well as their pricing. The second above-ground floor will offer free parking as a replacement for the original free parking lot. "There are 67 spaces on the upper uncovered floor, including ten for disabled individuals. There will be a separate entrance without a barrier," said Deputy Mayor Aleš Tolar (STAN). The two lower floors, which will have a total of 106 spaces, will have barriers. Parking spaces there must be paid for. The price is the same as in the city's Rychtářka parking garage, which has been operating near the center of Plzeň since 2011. "The subscription for always reserved parking for a personal vehicle is 2500 CZK per month, which is the minimum duration for long-term parking," said Tolar.

An annual subscription will cost 27,500 CZK. According to Tolar, the city took into account the prices of private parking lots in the area and the cost of reserved parking on local roads, where a reservation costs 21,900 CZK per year. A bicycle subscription at Atom will cost 60 CZK per month, or 660 CZK per year.