Additional companies are vying for the space of the former Stalin monument in Prague

PRAGUE - The spaces of the former Stalin monument in Prague are being sought for lease by two more companies. The city hall supports the original intention of Underwater World, which is striving to build an oceanarium there. Now, the companies Swarowski and Sika Interlab have expressed interest in the space, the city hall informed CTK today.
Swarowski has proposed the construction of an exhibition and social complex with a multimedia program. Sika Interlab aims to operate an audiovisual venue in the space that would connect the view of Prague Castle and the city with film images depicting the history and beauty of the city.
However, the city hall reminded that in the past only the Australian Underwater World applied for the competition to utilize the remnants of the monument. "Currently, discussions are underway with the company regarding specific construction timelines," said councilor Pavel Klega (ODS).
If the plan is realized, people will be able to walk through a giant aquarium via a viewing tunnel and observe over 250 species of marine fish, starfish, anemones, crustaceans, and even a shark from the Pacific Ocean up close. According to the investor's current estimates, this could happen in about two years. Construction costs are estimated at 670 million crowns.
The attraction will include a café, an educational center, a children's corner, and social facilities. Escalators are planned to lead to the facility from the Vltava River, designed to be covered so as not to disrupt the surroundings. The investor has already previously assured the city that they will have the funds for the construction.
"Our goal is to lease the monument before the city has to start investing tens of millions of crowns into it to avoid endangering the surroundings," emphasized Klega. A necessary change to the zoning plan and a draft contract are currently being processed, he added.
Skateboard riders who use the upper deck of the former monument have written a petition against the construction of the oceanarium. Klega noted that the city will build an alternative sports facility for them; the oceanarium investor will contribute to the costs.