The reconstruction of Šatovka in Prague 6 could begin in 2020

Prague - The reconstruction of the Šatovka estate in Prague 6 into a center for seniors could begin in 2020, with operations set to start two years later. In the autumn, the municipal district selected an architectural design that includes apartments for seniors, community spaces for the public, and a café. Preliminary costs for the renovation of the estate in the Šárecké valley are around 150 million crowns, as stated by the spokesman for the town hall, Ondřej Šrámek.

"The competition has been closed; the contracting authority will now invite the participant whose design came in first place for negotiations and discuss the terms of the construction documentation contract with them. According to the timeline, the designers will now be drafting, designing, and permitting for two years," Šrámek said. The winning proposal, which received a reward of 625,000 crowns, was prepared by architect Gabriela Kaprálová from the ASGK Design studio.

Around the estate, four buildings with small apartments will be constructed. The center will be intended for seniors who find themselves in a difficult situation and are in good health that does not require comprehensive care. The historic building of Šatovka will serve as administrative space, technical facilities, community spaces, and will also feature a café or snack bar. The town hall hopes that the public spaces will increase interest in this location in the Šárecké valley from local residents.

Prague 6 has been entrusted with the management of Šatovka for social use. The estate served as an apartment building until 2011, and in 2015, the last tenants of the non-residential spaces left. In recent years, it has not been used and requires extensive renovation. The change of the building's functional use from purely residential to a public facility was approved by Prague city councilors last March. Prague 6 aims to finance senior housing with social services, a community center, and catering operations through its own resources while utilizing grants.

At the beginning of last February, a group of squatters occupied the estate in the Šárecké valley for a week to draw attention to its unused state. They aimed to create a space for people who want to live without the necessity of ownership, profit, and generating wealth. According to the police, the occupation constituted a criminal offense, and the District Court for Prague 6 sentenced nine squatters to community service, a ruling confirmed by the Prague Municipal Court. Each squatter is required to complete 50 hours of community service according to the ruling. The activists faced up to two years in prison. The squatters had previously occupied the estate at the turn of 2015 and 2016.