Instead of the burned wing of the Industrial Palace, there will be a temporary hall

Prague - Prague will announce an architectural competition for the construction of a temporary hall on the site of the burned wing of the Industrial Palace at the Exhibition Grounds. The construction of the hall could cost between 200 and 300 million crowns. Councilor Karel Grabein Procházka (ANO) said this to journalists today. The wing of the Industrial Palace burned down in 2008, and since then, Prague has unsuccessfully planned the creation of a replica. Today's decision by the councilors is criticized by opposition councilor Václav Novotný (TOP 09), who warns that this expensive temporary hall could ultimately become a permanent structure.

"Today we approved a competition for the roofing of the burned wing. The result will correspond with the rest of the palace and will functionally meet the needs for exhibitions and other events," said Procházka. According to him, the hall could cost between 200 and 300 million crowns, and the return on investment is about six years. In the case of constructing a replica of the wing, the city would relocate the temporary hall to another place. "The construction could be realized within one and a half years," he said.

One reason the councilors decided to build a temporary hall is said to be the poor condition of the tent that currently stands on the site of the former wing. The second reason is that the construction of a replica is expected to be completed only in 2024.

Novotný called the plan "total nonsense." He also stated that such an expensive temporary structure seems to him more like a permanent building. "Prague has approved the concept for the development of the Exhibition Grounds, which clearly speaks about the construction of a replica of the wing of the palace, and this is binding. In their misguidedness, I believe the councilors will not even build the temporary hall, it is unfeasible with the preservationists, and it cannot be built without their consent," he said. Moreover, the construction of the replica is estimated to cost about 600 million crowns. "Thus to spend 300 million on a temporary structure is nonsense," he added.

The fire engulfed the Art Nouveau Industrial Palace in October 2008, destroying its left wing. The situation regarding the exhibition grounds, which is a listed heritage site, has been addressed by Prague for many years. Some time ago, the city freed itself from a long-term and, according to some opinions, disadvantageous lease with the company Incheba. However, this company will continue to organize some other events at the exhibition grounds until 2018.

The Exhibition Grounds near Stromovka was created in 1891 on the occasion of the Jubilee Land Exhibition. The area suffered extensive damage from the flood in 2002. Some buildings will be demolished due to their poor condition.