<div>Čtvrť v Letňanech předpokládá změnu územního plánu a posílení MHD</div> <div>The district in Letňany anticipates a change in the zoning plan and strengthening of public transportation.</div>

Prague - The Prague zoning plan currently does not allow for the construction of apartments in Letňany, as the city leadership envisions in connection with the negotiations about the utilization of municipal land. The director of the City Institute of Planning and Development (IPR), Ondřej Boháč, told ČTK that the current function of the parcels allows for the construction of office buildings and a hospital, but not apartments. Changing the zoning plan would take at least two years. The city would also likely have to strengthen public transport. Prague is negotiating with the state about a new district, where Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) wants to locate 10,000 state officials.

The municipal land covering approximately 35 hectares, which the city and the state are negotiating over, is designated in the zoning plan for special civic amenities, which does not allow for the construction of apartments. Moreover, according to IPR spokesman Marek Vácha, the proximity of two airports, in Letňany and Kbely, plays a role. This limits potential construction height to a maximum of six floors.

In the past, IPR has expressed opposition to the plan to relocate 10,000 officials to Letňany, asserting that if the relocation were to happen, the more suitable option would be the brownfield site Bubny-Zátory. State representatives rejected this. According to Vácha, it is a political decision, and if such a project is to be realized, it is better if there is a mixture of more functions. This is also advocated by Mayor Zdeněk Hřib (Pirates).

Spokesperson for the Office for Representation of the State in Property Affairs (ÚZSVM), Radek Ležatka, stated that this is not a political but a professional decision. He argues in favor of Letňany due to its capacity, transport accessibility, and the fact that the land is owned by the city and the state. In contrast, the Bubny-Zátory location faces issues such as being divided among 40 owners, a construction moratorium, or a zoning plan that does not allow administrative buildings to be built there, he added.

According to Vácha, the city will need to conduct a traffic analysis in the area. The main local traffic artery is Kbelská, which is part of the Industrial Ring Road. Even now, the road is often congested during peak hours, and without the completion of the city ring, which is intended to divert part of the traffic, people are concerned about its complete saturation.

Another issue is public transport. According to the spokesperson for the Prague transport organizer Ropid, Filip Drápal, it would likely be necessary to shorten intervals on the Metro line C, which, due to technological reasons, can only be done by a few seconds. In Letňany itself, there is sufficient capacity, but problems could arise on the most congested section of the line heading towards the city center. "Already from the Kobylisy station, there could be capacity issues if there is no strengthening, combined with an increase in the number of passengers," the spokesperson explained. He added that if a new district were to be established, it would likely be necessary to strengthen surface bus transport in the vicinity of Letňany, particularly concerning the B Metro stations Palmovka and Vysočanská.

Prague is demanding that an architectural competition be announced for the design of the district. According to Petr Lešek from the Czech Chamber of Architects, it would be a unique endeavor. "Architectural competitions for master plans of new districts have been exceptional in the Czech Republic since 1989. Probably only two have taken place: for the Masaryk University campus in Brno and recently for Prague Airport," he stated. He added that there would likely be extraordinary interest from Czech and foreign architects in such a project, although it would depend on the competition's rules.

Mayor Zdeněk Hřib (Pirates) met with Prime Minister Babiš on Wednesday regarding the further utilization of municipal lands, and has so far rejected the construction of an office complex. However, if it were a district with multiple functions, he said the city would be willing to accommodate the state on the condition that a competition is held for the new district. In return for financing the ring road, the city wants to receive the barracks in Karlín and the rest of the Bulovka Hospital complex from the state.