The Open Gate school's project is being hindered by the extension of the Hadovka farm

Prague - The construction of the private school Open Gate Prague on the site of the former Hotel Praha in Dejvice has encountered further delays. The reason is an appeal against the zoning decision related to the project at the Hadovka manor, where a kindergarten, library, and additional spaces for the school are to be created. The school spokesperson, Jitka Tkadlecová, stated this in response to a query from ČTK. The building department of the magistrate is currently handling the appeal, and the school itself already has a valid zoning decision. The investor of the construction is the PPF group of the wealthiest Czech, Petr Kellner.

Although administratively these are separate projects, both construction plans are interconnected. "For us, the whole school project only makes sense in conjunction with the Hadovka estate," the spokesperson said. She added that construction will not begin until both projects have the necessary permits. The Pro Hanspaulka association filed an appeal against the construction on the Hadovka estate. They objected to the library that is to be built as an extension to the historic manor house. The building department of the magistrate is currently addressing this, and it is not yet clear when a decision will be made.

The primary school and gymnasium will be located in the lower part of the site of the demolished Hotel Praha, in the former garage area. It is to have three above-ground and two underground floors and will provide spaces for the primary school, gymnasium, school kitchen, and dining room. The Pro Hanspaulka association also filed an objection against this, after which the investor slightly revised the project, particularly concerning transportation connections. A kindergarten or library is expected to be established in the Hadovka manor area.

Construction was initially planned to start this January, with completion expected in June 2018. However, the process of obtaining the necessary permits has been delayed due to the appeals. The school will have roughly twice the capacity compared to the first Open Gate school, which has been operating since 2005 in Babice near Prague.

Hotel Praha disappeared from the skyline of Dejvice in June 2014. Until November 1989, it served the needs of the Communist Party and the Czechoslovak government. The hotel complex was acquired by PPF a year before its demolition. Opinions among the public and professionals regarding the demolition of this landmark in Dejvice varied. Some architects disagreed with the demolition and described the hotel as a unique building. Others argued that it was an average piece of architecture. PPF claimed that the building was oversized and uneconomical.