Prague 2 wants to be a co-applicant for the change of the zoning plan regarding the roofing of the main train station

Prague - The City Hall of Prague 2 will join as a co-applicant for the initiation of a change to the zoning plan that would allow the construction above the tracks of the main train station. However, the district has set conditions, including requesting the investor to organize an international urban planning and architectural competition, create permeability of the area, and build apartments and educational facilities. The city councilors of Prague 2 approved joining the request today. The local Pirates are critical of the proposal.

The request for a change was submitted by the company CR-City, which is represented by Czech Railways and Penta, among others. The city council will join the request through the Institute of Planning and Development (IPR). Final decisions on any changes to the zoning plan are up to the councilors of the capital city.

"Even though we will not be a standalone applicant, I believe that even if we do not have the request fully in hand, we will be able to express our comments. Today we are discussing the conditions under which some construction could arise here in the future," said Deputy Mayor Jan Recman (ODS).

The intention was first discussed by the commission for the development of the district in November last year. Subsequently, it was addressed again in March and April this year and then recommended to the councilors for approval. They subsequently did so.

The City Hall will demand the fulfillment of conditions. These include an anonymous international urban planning competition, which will, for example, verify the capacity for buildability of the area. "The permeability of the area will be important, meaning the connection between Prague 1 and 2. Heritage protection is important so that the Fant building of the main station is not surrounded by large blocks. We will require schools and kindergartens," Recman said. A working group consisting of representatives from Prague 1 and 2, the city council, and the investor must also be formed.

According to opposition councilor Radek Zykana (Pirates), the proposal is problematic. He and other Pirate councilors are concerned about the speed with which the document was prepared and presented to the councilors. Councilor Tomáš Čada (Pirates) stated that the topic of construction is so crucial that the councilors should not deal with it without legal advisors and other experts and moreover, "in such a rush."

On the contrary, the intention of the construction was supported by opposition councilor Jan Mach (Prague 2 for Itself), who warned against Prague 2 becoming merely a spectator, but rather having a strong position in negotiations about the change. "The site certainly deserves redevelopment," he said.

The exact form of the project is still unclear; when preparing the change to the zoning plan, the extent of the construction will be specified. Competitions are to be held for the overall urban concept and designs of individual buildings.

Penta is currently building houses in the vicinity of the nearby Masaryk railway station. For instance, there is a building designed by the architectural studio of architect Zaha Hadid, and Penta, during the reconstruction of Masaryk station, will build a platform above the tracks. It will allow people to cross from Florence to Hybernská Street and from Masaryk station to the main train station.