Developer Ameside has a valid zoning decision for the project of a new district in Plzeň

Plzeň - Developer Ameside a.s. from the Prague group Amadeus Real has a final zoning decision for a new urban district project in the center of Plzeň. For eight billion crowns, it aims to build on the site of the former cultural house, which was demolished 11 years ago, between 2025 and 2028. The company already had a zoning decision from the Plzeň building authority, but it was appealed by the Brno environmental association Děti Země. However, the regional department of regional development has now deemed the building authority's verdict lawful and factually correct. ČTK learned this from the official notice board of the regional office, which published the department's decision on October 3. It will be on the notice board for 15 days, after which the developer can submit an application for a building permit.

"I signed the zoning decision last week. (Děti Země) can no longer appeal, but they can request a review from the Ministry of Regional Development or challenge it in court; however, neither would delay the preparation of the construction," Miloslav Michalec, head of the regional development department, told ČTK. After 15 days from publication on the notice board, the verdict is considered delivered, and the company can take further steps towards the construction named the Multifunctional Center AMESIDE and apply for a building permit.

"We obviously view positively that the Ameside project has entered the next phase of the final zoning decision. During the appeals process, binding statements regarding the impact of the project on the environment, traffic load, and urban planning were repeatedly reviewed, even at the level of the Ministries of Health and Environment," Václav Klán Jr., a member of the board of directors of Amadeus Real Estate, told ČTK. According to him, the Ameside project is a benefit for the location, which is currently in a dilapidated state. Together with the neighboring former municipal baths, which were purchased by the Plzeň region last year and will be adapted next year, it aims to improve the central part of Plzeň and open the site to the public.

According to Klán, the nearly year-long delay caused by the appeal will extend the construction timelines by approximately one year. "In the first half of 2024, we would like to submit an application for a building permit. Construction should start in 2025, with completion in 2028," he said.

The regional office in its decision ordered the investor, for example, to respect noise limits and prepare a noise study, green more roofs, and clarify the proposal for rainwater management; the office also set conditions for the felling of trees.

The Ameside project will fundamentally transform an area of about three hectares across from the main train station, bordered by the lower part of Americká Street, Denis Quay, and Ukrajinská Street. The developer will demolish the former department store Prior, which currently houses Lidl and a children's play area. The project includes over 120 apartments, 21,000 square meters of office space, and about 100 shops. A quarter of the area is to be designated for sports, leisure, and entertainment. Parking for 1,500 vehicles will be underground. According to Klán, the investor plans to use photovoltaics wherever there are no green roofs, as well as on suitable facades, maximum insulation, reutilization of waste heat produced by tenants, rainwater for irrigating roofs, and for flushing. Heating and cooling will be provided by Plzeňská teplárenská.