The reconstruction of Škroupovo Square is set to begin this year, according to Česká Lípa

Česká Lípa - The reconstruction of Škroupovo Square is set to begin this year in Česká Lípa, with the contract for the construction worth 55.66 million crowns awarded to the company Metrostav DIZ. They were the only bidder. Work on the square will coincide with the reconstruction of networks, which the same company has been working on in this area since spring. It should be completely finished by 2027, said city hall spokesperson Kristýna Kňákal Brožová to ČTK today.

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 and received 14 proposals. The one from the Brno studio M2AU won. The square is to be transformed into a quiet zone with plenty of greenery, shade, benches, while also providing enough space for holding smaller cultural events and markets. Parking spaces will be reduced.

"We are trying to create a pleasant public space in the city where people feel good and safe, both in the center and in housing estates and other parts of the city. Thanks to the number of businesses here, Škroupovo Square is a popular place, but it is not in good condition and deserves reconstruction. We are prepared to finance the entire project from our budget, but we have also submitted a grant application to the Operational Program Environment for the establishment of so-called blue-green infrastructure," added mayor Jitka Volfová (ANO).

The reconstruction will include the replacement of surfaces and public lighting, as well as solutions for rainwater management. Non-vigorous trees will be replaced with new plantings, and an artistically designed drinking fountain, misting area, and two trees near the stairs to Jindřicha z Lipé Street will be added, bringing the city back to the historical form of this place. The pavement will commemorate St. Peter and Paul Church, which stood in this location until it was destroyed by a fire in 1820. From a historical perspective, this is a valuable site, so archaeologists will supervise the excavation work.

"For the local residents, the work is challenging and complicates their daily functioning; therefore, we want to continuously keep them informed in detail about the progress of the work. We applied the same approach during the ongoing reconstruction of the water supply and sewer system, where the city is building a rainwater drainage system. This is a logistically demanding construction that directly affects the citizens living on Škroupovo Square and Prokopa Holého Street, so it is essential that they are provided with timely information," added deputy mayor Martin Brož (ANO).