The councilors of Prague postponed the decision on the repair of the Old Town Market Hall

Prague - The Prague councilors today did not make a decision on the selection of a construction company for the long-planned reconstruction of the Old Town Market Hall. Councilor Jan Chabr (TOP 09), who is responsible for municipal property, withdrew the issue from the meeting, and it should return to the agenda next week. Mayor Zdeněk Hřib previously stated that he found deficiencies in the selection process. He was also dissatisfied with the price, which increased from the originally estimated 366 million crowns without tax to the final bid of 429.9 million crowns.

The heritage-protected building from the late 19th century is located between Rytířská and 28. října streets. The representatives approved the announcement of a public procurement for the reconstruction in March 2018; the tender has already been completed, and the result remains to be confirmed. The city already has a building permit.

Earlier this year, the magistrate closed the hall after it terminated contracts with the last retailers. The previous management of the magistrate originally planned to contract a private company to renovate the market and then operate it for 25 years. However, this fell through.

The building was significantly remodeled in the 1980s, when the communist city leadership added several insertions to the vast hall, including an intermediate ceiling on a steel structure, where the utilities are routed. The planned reconstruction aims to remove these non-original elements and return the hall to its original function as a public marketplace with stalls. The closed passage through the market should also be restored.

In addition to sales stalls, the project includes a food court and a stage for hosting events. The reconstruction is also expected to affect the building next to the entrance to the market, which has previously served as storage. It is to become a glass showcase where goods will be displayed and refreshments may also be available. The second passage from Rytířská Street is also set to be renovated. The underground floor is planned to house the market's facilities.

If the reconstruction is approved, there are also plans to announce a tender for the market operator, who would have to adhere to the city's project, including the layout of shops and stalls and the offered assortment. This is intended to prevent the sale of only tourist items and souvenirs in the market. On the contrary, according to the project, the shops are to primarily offer fresh food and other assortments for local residents.

The market was built between 1894 and 1897 based on the design of architect Jindřich Fialka, who was particularly inspired by Paris. Similarly designed markets can be found in cities like Barcelona, Dresden, Budapest, and Berlin.