New Náplavka on the Radbuz in Plzeň

Plzeň has its new waterfront. It was created by modifying the left bank of the Radbuza River along the English Embankment, extending 550 meters. This has resulted in a pleasant space where residents of Plzeň and tourists can sit, do activities like yoga, or simply take a walk. The waterfront can also become a new venue for concerts, workshops, and other activities. The construction of this attractive recreational area began last spring, and in June this year, the project was completed for 67 million crowns including VAT, which includes a new café on the bridge over the river.
“The main work involved modifying the bank, where we had resting steps and blocks installed. This section is between Kopeckého Street and Tyršová Street, with a total area of 7,300 square meters. The steel bridge was also renovated, on which a new retractable staircase including the winch machine room was installed. This will allow the entire staircase structure to be pulled above the river level in case of flooding. A café was created on the bridge. Connections for water supply, sewage, and gas were established, and new outdoor and park lighting was installed along the entire length of the construction,” explained Pavel Šindelář, the technical deputy mayor, under whom the municipal investment department that oversaw the project falls.
Preparatory work for the Waterfront Project on the Radbuza began in April 2018. During construction, monolithic various-sized and shaped concrete steps and a riverbank wall were installed and anchored into the bank of the waterfront. Regarding the bridge, its corroded load-bearing elements were replaced, and the steel plates of the southern deck were completely replaced, including the final layers of protective polyurethane coating on all steel structures, both new and existing.
A café was built at the junction of the bridge measuring 4.87 x 15.44 meters with a flat roof. The café includes its own refreshment area, a vestibule, and restrooms for guests and staff. “The load-bearing structure consists of steel closed profiles, which are anchored into the existing junction of the bridge. The outer shell was designed and made from system-opening windows, and the internal partitions are made of drywall. The café is connected to the public water supply, sewage system, and natural gas distribution for its own underfloor heating,” said Pavel Grisník, head of the Investment Department of the City of Plzeň.
The project also included the replacement of street lighting fixtures and distributions with energy-efficient LED fixtures and the installation of power outlet boxes located in the sidewalk of the English Embankment to ensure electricity supply for various events in this area. The project also included landscaping improvements.