Ústí n. L. is renovating the space next to the Labe department store; the sculpture will not return there

Ústí nad Labem - Ústí nad Labem is renovating the area next to the Labe department store. The sculpture made of concrete and ceramic mosaics by academic sculptor Karel Kronych was previously transferred to the repository of the regional museum; its reinstallation in public space is being assisted by the City Architect's Office. The spokesperson for the local government, Romana Macová, informed ČTK about this. Vice Mayor Věra Nechybová (ind.) told ČTK that the repair of the sculpture would cost around one million crowns and is not planned in the near future.

The renovation of the space near the department store, which was built according to the design of architect Růžena Žertová in the 1970s, will cost the city approximately 2.075 million crowns with annual revenues of 2.885 billion crowns. The repair is being secured by the company BATRYNSTAV II.

"The subject of this public contract is the adjustment of the sidewalk area at the intersections of local roads on Malá Hradební Street and Revoluční Street, around the Labe department store," specified Macová. The adjustments to the public space represent significant limitations for pedestrians. At the end of the crossing from Lidické náměstí towards the department store, there is a fence and a warning about the closure of the pedestrian path. Locals are therefore running across the road to save themselves a trip.

The contractor will lay concrete paving, define flower beds, and areas for placing trees. Wooden benches will supplement the corners. The city will incur additional costs for the maintenance of greenery that will be added to the area. Costs are not yet available, as the local government will still announce a public contract.

In the past three decades, only one artistic installation has been added in Ústí nad Labem, located in the Dobětice district. The resting place was complemented by a sculpture of a bird family by artist Karel Hájek. "Future plans for the installation of artworks will be addressed with the City Architect's Office in accordance with all prepared concepts for improving public space," Macová stated when asked whether the city intends to place additional artistic installations in public spaces in the near future.