The demolition of the buildings of the former Telecom on Prague's Žižkov district will cost hundreds of millions of CZK

Prague - The demolition of the former Telecom buildings in Žižkov, Prague, will cost a few hundred million crowns. The demolition is expected to take longer, among other things due to the removal of hazardous asbestos materials, and is set to last for a year and three quarters. Dušan Kunovský, head of the development company Central Group, which plans to construct in the area, told ČTK this. According to him, this autumn the company plans to present a revised proposal from architect Eva Jiřičná and the AI Design studio, with the first phase of the New Žižkov Centre project expected to receive occupancy approval in 2027.

Asbestos removal in Žižkov began a week ago and is expected to last until October this year. The demolition of the buildings will not be completed until October 2024, while similar-sized demolitions typically take around six months. "This is by far the most challenging demolition we have ever dealt with," Kunovský told ČTK. He added that the demolition costs will reach a few hundred million. "That is a gigantic amount for demolition, which has exceeded our original cost estimates at the time of purchase," stated the head of Central Group.

According to estimates, around 3,350 tons of asbestos-containing materials are present in the six buildings of the former Central Telecommunications Building in Prague 3. This is found in the cladding of columns and beams, internal partitions, and roofing. Its removal is being carried out in vacuum-sealed controlled zones and under hygienic supervision. The remediation is conducted by the Bratislava-based company Dilmun System, and the asbestos disposal is expected to take place at the AVE landfill, which is authorized for asbestos disposal.

Among other things, the 96-meter-high telecommunications tower, four unused buildings, and a pumping station will also be demolished. In their place, nearly 100-meter towers designed by Jiřičná were to be constructed, but the original design did not receive approval from the city, and UNESCO also added a negative opinion. A new concept is thus being created. "We want to do this sensitively and first fully agree with Prague 3, the city hall, the Institute of Planning and Development, monument protectors, and after general agreement, present it to the public in September, October," Kunovský said.

The designs of the buildings are being finalized, but the houses will feature various types of apartments. According to Kunovský, the project will be diverse and will combine ownership housing, student housing, and possibly rental apartments. In addition to shops and services, it will also include a kindergarten, a park, and a square with an artwork.

If the demolition does not extend, a change in the zoning plan from special technological function to residential and mixed-use might occur, allowing the developer to apply for a building permit this year. "If it went extremely quickly, we could get it in 2025. Construction takes two years, so the first phase could receive occupancy approval in 2027," Kunovský added.