Under the name Nový Hlavák, a competitive dialogue was announced in June 2022 for the transformation of the area around the Main Railway Station, which will include Vrchlického Sady, the station's concourse and the construction of a new tram line through the area. The competitive dialogue and the subsequent implementation of the project is a joint activity of the Prague City Hall, the Railway Administration, the Transport Company of the Capital City of Prague, and the City of Prague. Prague and the Institute of Planning and Development of the City of Prague (IPR).

Public participation was key to the announcement of the competitive dialogue. The results of the survey are used by the competing teams, who try to reflect the views of the public on the whole Hlavák area in their proposals. 811 respondents took part in the electronic survey immediately after the announcement of the competitive dialogue. More people got involved during guided walks through the area and public meetings.

The voice of the residents around the main station, passengers and other users of the area was thus an inspiration for the design of New Hlavák, which we will present to you at the end of November. Thanks to this, the proposal can answer what the public misses in the current Vrchlický Sady or in the new apron, and what could be changed in their appearance.

When meeting with local residents, the new connection to Žižkov was perceived very positively on the subject of the apron. Among the current problems that need to be addressed, poor passenger orientation causing chaotic movement in the hall, insufficient number of toilets or crowds of people in front of the departure boards were often mentioned. The public expects the refurbishment to address infopanels and navigation, waiting areas inside and outside the concourse, short-term parking, entrances for supplies, greenery on the roof and the service and catering offer.

According to the participants, Vrchlického sady is primarily a place where people do not spend a lot of time, mainly because of the negative perception of the place, which they consider neglected. At the same time, 83% of the respondents appreciate the green space in the middle of the city, which suggests that Vrchlický sady has the potential to attract more people. To make the park more pleasant, 93% of respondents would like to see more benches and other seating options. 89% of people also want to see an outdoor space for waiting for the train.

A summary of the results of the public participation can be found at the ongoing exhibition on the competitive dialogue in the New Check-in Hall of the main station and also here: How the public perceives the Main Railway Station - Nový Hlavák (novyhlavak.com)