Instead of factory halls, there will be apartments, offices, and sports facilities in Prague 9

Prague - The factory halls in the former industrial area in Prague 9 Vysočany will be replaced by residential buildings, office centers, sports facilities, and greenery. Since last autumn, the local municipality has had an approved zoning plan that allows investors to commence construction, said Prague 9 Mayor Vladimír Řihák to reporters today. By 2010, a large part of the buildings should be completed, with approximately 12,000 apartments expected to be created here.
The industrial area, defined by Kbelská, Poděbradská, and Freyova streets and the railway line, covers an area of about 250 hectares, with construction prepared on roughly one-third of the territory. Until last year, there was a building moratorium in place. An exception was made for the construction of the residential complex Nová Harfa at the site of the former incinerator. “It was a project that was in line with the urban study proposal,” noted the mayor. There should be 2,000 apartments here, with the first residents expected to move in next spring.
The municipality began considering what to do with the area full of abandoned factory buildings in 1998. They had to clear the site and also commissioned an urban study that became the basis for the zoning plan. In the former ČKD Elektrotechnika grounds, the company Ablon is preparing to build the Kolben business park, which will include residential and office buildings, complemented by shops, restaurants, galleries, and underground garages. There should be over 450 apartments here.
There are also plans for construction near the Rokytka creek. New sports facilities and a bike path, expected to be operational by the end of the year, are to be created here as well. A project is also being prepared for the development of an area known as Čína in Hloubětín, where there used to be a workers' and later a gardening colony. About 900 apartments could be built here. Construction will also take place in other locations.
Prague 9 has offered the Czech-Moravian Football Federation a site where a national football stadium could be built, specifically in the area of the former ČKD Tesla on Kolbenova Street. City representatives are convinced that this is a very suitable location. For example, transportation services are ensured here. According to the mayor, this area is reserved for the construction of sports facilities. Senator for Prague 9, Josef Pavlata, stated that the stadium should serve two Prague league teams. In addition to sports events, cultural events should also be held here, with 60 to 80 events expected annually, he added.