Exciting News: Jiřího z Poděbrad Square Renovation Project Set to Wrap Up Ahead of Schedule!
The extensive renovation of Jiřího z Poděbrad Square is advancing more swiftly than anticipated, with a potential completion date set for next spring—months earlier than the initially planned September 2026.
This reconstruction project, which carries a price tag of 478 million CZK, commenced in early 2023.
As of today, the majority of the 180 newly planted trees have already taken root, and two substantial underground reservoirs meant for collecting rainwater are now finished.
Craftsmen are actively working on the finishing touches in front of the Church of the Sacred Heart of the Lord, a well-known landmark designed by the esteemed architect Josip Plečnik. Behind the construction barriers, new pathways are being created, and paving stones are being laid with great care.
This renovation, which has been a topic of discussion for over twenty years, has already enhanced several sections of the square. Notably, the completion of the northern area close to the local elementary school allows for the return of popular farmers’ markets.
“We have a contractual deadline set for September 2026, but we are striving to wrap up by April or May,” stated construction manager Jaroslav Beránek from Gardenline during a site tour on Monday. Nevertheless, the square will need final inspections and approvals before it can be fully reopened to the public.
The project features a notable increase in greenery, with an extra 100 trees planted beyond the original plan, as noted by Michal Vronský, the Mayor of Prague 3 (TOP 09).
A specially formulated grass mixture has been introduced, designed to withstand higher temperatures and heavy foot traffic. Previous lawns often dried out in the summer and faced damage from dogs, issues the new landscaping aims to address.
The United Europe Fountain, a fixture from the 1980s that was once at risk of being demolished, will remain. However, its underground systems have been completely overhauled and a new foundation constructed. The fountain has been taken apart and will be reassembled once the base is ready.
A new subway ventilation shaft has already been installed, taking the place of the old one, whose removal had led to protests from residents who valued its artistic significance.
Discussions are also underway about the possibility of introducing new public art in the square. Deputy Mayor Petr Hlaváček (STAN) mentioned that the city might wait roughly a year after the renovation is finished to assess how the public engages with the space before launching a competition for new artwork.
The winning design, created by the MCA architectural studio, preserves the character of the square as a city park while expanding the forecourt of the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
