Prague in autumn will announce a competition for the design of Victory Square

Prague - In the autumn, Prague will announce a competition for the future shape of Victory Square. It is intended to address transportation and public spaces, not the completion of vacant lots. This was stated today by the Deputy Mayor for Urban Development Petra Kolínská (Greens/Trojkoalice) to journalists. The city is also preparing urban studies for other locations, currently working on Satalice, the former station in Bubny, and the surrounding area of the Ruzyně Barracks.

"We want to restore the fundamental functions of the square, which will be lived above the surface, not below it. At the same time, we do not want to dictate specific solutions to the competitors," Kolínská stated. The proposal includes the extension of the tram line to Suchdol and a bypass of the square between Svatovítská and Evropská streets. However, according to her, it is not possible to propose changes to traffic and public spaces without it being clear what will be built on the surrounding lands.

Part of the vacant parcels around the circular square in the center of Dejvice is owned by the University of Chemical Technology. "In my opinion, the blocked situation could be resolved by an agreement that the city would purchase the land," the deputy added.

On another vacant lot managed by the city district Prague 6 along Jugoslavian Partisans Street, a residential building is set to rise instead of the controversial office building nicknamed Polar Bear. The city district signed a memorandum with the developer in March, which also includes the withdrawal of mutual lawsuits. The developer commits to ensuring that the building will respect the height of the surrounding development.

According to Kolínská, the city will frequently announce similar competitions for the future shape of Victory Square. The emerging urban studies, which will establish the basic parameters of the area, such as main streets, street lines, parks, or other landmarks, must not be overlooked by the building authority when granting construction permits. Among the first completed studies that will be discussed with the public will be the proposed future appearance of the city district Satalice on the northeastern edge of Prague. Studies are also being prepared for the Holešovice-Bubny area, the military and storage complex in Ruzyně, or Rohanský Island.

The city is preparing the assignment for developing studies for the surroundings of the metro stations Veleslavín or Opatov, Komořany, the freight station Žižkov, or the area around the hospital in Krč. It is also considering a study concerning Slatina, Malešice, Uhříněves, or the vicinity of the metro station Hradčanská.