Residential complex in the former distillery wants to be the gateway to Smíchov

Prague - Another long-neglected brownfield in Prague is being transformed into a residential complex. The Lihovar Smíchov project, located on the site of the former Zlíchov distillery, aims to be the gateway to the metropolis from the south, offering 550 apartments, with a third of them available for rent. A five-story gallery of artist David Černý will be created in the former brewhouse. The project was officially taken over by the development company Trigema last year and plans to invest around four billion crowns, the company announced today.

At the point between Nádražní and Strakonická streets in Prague 5, construction has been underway since March, and development is taking place over 4,500 square meters in three phases. A viewing tower is to be built on the fifty-meter chimney, which is a cultural monument alongside the brewhouse. The project is to include 642 parking spaces and residential buildings with names like Flaška and Chimney Tower - Komín, which should be the dominant feature.

The investor was somewhat inspired by London’s King’s Cross. "We are very intrigued by industrial London, and it was part of the project brief,” said Marcel Soural, chairman of the Trigema investment group's board, during today’s ceremonial laying of the foundation stone, in this case, a barrel. “We want everyone traveling from the south to remember that this is where Smíchov begins,” he added.

The complex will feature its own food market with small bistros, cafes, and restaurants, complemented by a multifunctional space for cultural and social events. The buildings are to have brick facades, some of which will be produced by 3D printing.

The production of spirits and vinegar at the distillery, founded by Samuel Fischl and Adolf Rosenbaum in 1880, ceased operations in 2001. Since then, discussions about redeveloping the area have been ongoing.

In 2015, investor Goldfin Investments Limited, led by entrepreneur Michael Barnett, presented a project called Zlatý lihovar. He decided to sell it in 2017. Trigema won the tender and officially took it over last year. The project underwent a complete redesign while preserving the original urban planning concept, and was renamed Lihovar Smíchov. The design is also being contributed by the studio Black n' Arch, led by artist David Černý. Completion is expected in April 2026.