In Prague 9, a new urban district could arise

Prague – A new urban neighborhood could be built in Nová Harfa in Prague 9. According to a new urban study of this area, 49 percent of the space would be dedicated to public areas, including a park. It would also include a new kindergarten and spaces for doctors' offices. A change in the functional use of the area is necessary for construction. CTK was informed of this today by the spokesperson for Prague 9, Marie Kurková.

"The urban study regarding the transformation of the Nová Harfa area in Hloubětín is the first swallow that comprehensively addresses the metamorphosis of the brownfield into a vibrant urban neighborhood,” stated the mayor of Prague 9, Jan Jarolím (ODS/Free). "In this case, we managed to reach a consensus between landowners and local residents," he added.

According to the emerging study prepared by the m4 architekti studio, public spaces will occupy 49 percent of the area defined by the streets Poděbradská, U Elektry, and Modrého. The public park, according to the document, is expected to cover 11,000 m². Another 22,000 m² should be designated for rental spaces such as doctors' offices or decentralized office spaces, according to city hall plans. A kindergarten with four classes, new shops, and apartments should also be built in Nová Harfa.

Prague 9 is now requesting a change in land use. Currently, it is possible to construct spaces for non-disruptive production and services in the area, so for the planned urban neighborhood to be allowed, the area would need to be classified as generally residential. "The mayor (of Prague 9, Jan Jarolím) has now submitted the study to the Institute of Planning and Development of the Capital City (IPR) and the Department of Urban Development of the City Hall, which will address the change of function,” said Kurková, adding that all 11 landowners, on whose land the new neighborhood is to be built, agreed on the proposed transformation of part of Hloubětín. If the requested change is made, construction could begin around 2030, according to Kurková.

Development studies will also be created for the adjacent area around Harfa. This was approved by the council of the city district at their meeting held at the end of July. The urban studies will be the work of architects from QARTA ARCHITEKTURA and m4 architekti companies.

The city district of Prague 9 consists of the historic neighborhoods of Vysočany, Prosek, Střížkov, Hloubětín, Hrdlořezy, and parts of Libeň. It covers an area of 1386 hectares and has approximately 55,000 inhabitants.