Žižkovské nádraží is to be replaced by a small urban district

Prague - A small urban district with residential buildings, public spaces, and a park is to be created in the area of the Žižkov freight railway station. The urban design, which the Prague 3 city hall commissioned along with the landowners, is to be completed this month. Zdeněk Fikar, the head of urban development, told reporters today.
    The new district, covering an area of about 32 hectares, is designed to blend modern and traditional elements. The original functionalist building will be preserved, while tracks and warehouses will be replaced by modern high-rise and low-rise buildings. The center of the district will feature a square with a main street leading to Olšanská Street. A park will be created between the Jewish Ovens and the Olšany Cemeteries, and the town will be enhanced by cultural and social facilities. The design also takes parking spaces into account.
    According to the project's author, architect Jan Sedlák, the area has great potential. "It lies between densely populated areas and has good transport connections," Sedlák stated. He also plans for the establishment of a metro line that will have a stop beneath the square. In the vicinity, other residential developments are also emerging.
    According to Fikar, the city council could discuss the proposal as early as the beginning of next year. For architectural projects to begin, a change in the zoning plan will be necessary, which must be approved by the city council. The Ministry of Transport must also authorize the cancellation of the nationwide railway line that leads to the station. The fate of the station’s own building will depend on whether it becomes a protected monument.
    Currently, the station houses warehouses and transshipment facilities. Most of the land is owned by Czech Railways, while some have other owners. A cooperation agreement among Czech Railways, the Railway Transport Administration, the Ministry of Transport, the city council, and Prague 3, signed this January, is expected to assist in the area's development.