Czech Railways have initiated a competitive dialogue for a new headquarters for 1400 employees

Prague - Czech Railways (ČD) has initiated a competitive dialogue for a new headquarters for the ČD group in Prague. Administrative and operational employees of ČD are currently located in several buildings in Prague, so the railways are looking for a large administrative complex with a capacity for 1400 employees. Consolidation would result in annual savings in the tens of millions of crowns on operating costs. Participants in the dialogue can offer existing complexes or the construction of a new building on ČD’s land and that of other entities. The company informed about this in a press release today.

Currently, the ČD headquarters is located in the building of the Ministry of Transport on the Ludvík Svoboda Embankment. According to ČD's general director, Michal Krapinec, the existing historical building is inadequate. "It is dark, environmentally unfriendly, not close to the railway, and due to heritage protection, no major construction alterations can be made," he stated. He expects that the new modern headquarters will attract new employees. "We will also eliminate many lease agreements and excess property. This will save us tens of millions of crowns annually on operational costs alone," he added.

A competitive dialogue was chosen as the form of the selection process, which, according to ČD, will ensure the broadest and most transparent selection method. The new headquarters should provide space for almost 1400 employees. "As part of this, three suitable plots in Prague have been identified, located near three main railway hubs – the main station, Libeň station, and Holešovice station," Krapinec said.

The total gross floor area of the building should be approximately 18,100 square meters, with more than two-thirds of the area designated for offices. The complex is also expected to include an appropriate number of parking spaces.

In searching for the new complex, the railways, according to Krapinec, also emphasize the building's environmental friendliness. "We want the building to include, for example, areas with an adequate share of mature greenery and vegetative areas, facilities for rainwater management, and photovoltaics on the roof," he stated. The spaces are to be air-conditioned and equipped with communication electronics for remote meetings.

The railways published the management in the EU Official Journal. They will accept individual offers from candidates until June, from which three will be selected for the shortlist. At the turn of the year, the railways are to present the results of the competitive dialogue for approval by the Board of Directors, the Supervisory Board, and the Management Committee of ČD, subsequently announcing the results and signing a contract with the winner.

The current rented headquarters on the Ludvík Svoboda Embankment in Prague was built in the 1930s. Due to the limited capacity of the rented spaces, employees of the ČD group are also located in other buildings in Prague.