Prague 3: The study of the freight railway station must include the surrounding area

Prague - The study of the spatial development of the freight station in Žižkov should, according to the local council, also include surrounding development areas. This was stated in a press release by Prague 3 spokesperson Ivana Luňáčková. The city council entrusted the city Institute of Planning and Development (IPR) on Tuesday to prepare the study for the area of the former station.

"IPR is a city expert institution and from the perspective of urbanism and architecture should guarantee a professional systemic approach to solving such large areas in the city center. Instead, perhaps for the first time in history, the city hall ignores the interests and opinions issued by the local district," said mayor Vladislava Hujová.

The study prepared by the city hall is to be a basis for changing the zoning plan and further approving construction in the area. It should outline the urban and transport solutions for the area, including public spaces. For example, where tram lines will run or where schools or parks will be located. It should also address the functionalist station building and its use.

The entire site is about 50 hectares, approximately 18 of which, according to Hujová, do not require a change in the zoning plan, as they already anticipate mixed-use construction for housing and commerce. However, these plots owned by Central Group will not be part of the study.

For them, the building moratorium no longer applies, as a zoning decision has already been issued for the construction of more than 2,500 apartments. This administrative act is a condition for the issuance of a building permit. Last year, the developer signed a contract with the local district to build and then transfer a kindergarten to the city hall.

The change in the zoning plan, which will enable the transformation of the original freight station building into a cultural and educational center, will be supported by the city hall. "Further changes to the zoning plan in the remaining area of the entire broader locality of the freight station should therefore be gradually implemented in the coming years based on a comprehensively prepared background study, in connection with addressing the citywide transport situation," added spokesperson Luňáčková.

The development of the extensive area of the long-unused station has been discussed for several years. Originally, in addition to the tracks, the station building was also supposed to disappear, but local residents and some politicians opposed this. It was later declared a cultural monument.