The City of Prague has taken another step towards the renewal of Charles Square: preparatory works are set to begin later this year to protect the existing trees and prepare the vegetation for the comprehensive revitalisation of the historic park.
The City of Prague has made further progress towards the overall renewal of Charles Square (Karlovo náměstí). Earlier this week, the City Council selected the contractor for the so-called advance works, which are necessary to prepare for the actual revitalisation of the square. The contract is worth 9.8 million crowns.
These works involve preparatory measures on the existing vegetation to improve its vitality and thus pave the way for the subsequent construction phase within the overall renewal of the square.
Specifically, the project includes root inspections, the replanting of individual shrubs and trees, as well as the maintenance and improvement of root systems in the characteristic embankment areas and in the inner part of the park. The use of so-called Air Spade technology is planned – an “air spade” that operates with compressed air, allowing the roots to be gently exposed so that more permeable substrates can subsequently be added.
The works are scheduled to begin in October or November, at the start of the vegetation dormancy period. The park is expected to remain accessible during this time. The works will be carried out in two phases to minimise restrictions for the public – only a slight increase in noise and dust levels is to be expected.
Some of the trees still standing today date back to the original planting in 1885. The historical design of the park was created by František Thomayer, one of the most important Czech landscape architects of his time.
