Along the Mlýnský stream in Olomouc, a promenade for pedestrians and cyclists will be created

This information was provided in January by Martin Krupauer of the A8000 studio, which prepared the redevelopment of the space around the Mlýnský stream. The A8000 studio is collaborating on the development of this area with British StudioN.

According to Krupauer, the Mlýnský stream will become a dominant feature of the new urban complex near Galerie Šantovka. „The residents of Olomouc haven’t utilized it much so far, but with a few suitable interventions the forgotten stream can suddenly transform into an attractive and lively urban waterfront,“ stated Krupauer. A central public space will be created between the current and the new commercial gallery, providing people with access to the water and the watercourse. The space will be complemented by various activities along the waterfront and in the water, including features such as a café and a children’s playground. The plan also includes the reconstruction of the demolished weir to make it safe and permeable for aquatic life. One of the considered options is a canoe channel, which city representatives and the investor have mentioned before.

Experts have pointed out that the area around the Mlýnský stream is currently constrained by numerous barriers. The main problem is the intersections with roads and bridges, hindering the smooth movement of pedestrians and cyclists. The proposal, therefore, guides the route of the cycle path along the stream’s bank without intervening in the watercourse, utilizing available bank areas or the space created by shifting the embankment wall away from the watercourse. At several locations, such as the 17th of November bridge, road and railway bridges, cyclists will pass under these crossings.

At the confluence of the Mlýnský stream with the Morava River, a pedestrian and cyclist bridge is planned to be built. The lands along the route of the proposed path are owned by the city, the river basin management company, and the investor, which facilitates this project.

On one hand, the proposal brings significant potential to connect the south-lying cycle paths along the Morava River with the cycle path north of 17th of November street in Bezručovy sady. On the other hand, the published visualizations do not indicate a pronounced cycling corridor; rather, they depict a tranquil recreational area shared with pedestrians.

Galerie Šantovka stands on the site of the bankrupt Milo firm and was opened in 2013. The Redstone company decided to expand it several years ago. The original plans envisioned the construction of a four-story extension with dozens of shops. According to architect Robert Bishop, the project was eventually modified based on the evolving requirements of future tenants and the shopping habits of Czechs.

Instead of one large building, Redstone now intends to construct several smaller ones. This approach will result in the creation of a new street, a waterfront, and a central public space next to Galerie Šantovka. The main street with shops will be covered. The project includes a family-oriented hotel, a relaxation zone, an area designated for residential purposes, and the Šantovka Tower high-rise building. The estimated investment costs amount to three billion Czech korunas.