Hujová: The future of the Žižkov railway station is still unclear

Prague - The future of the heritage-protected Žižkov Freight Station remains unclear. The mayor of Prague 3, Vladislava Hujová (TOP 09), will therefore contact Czech Railways and the Ministry of Culture in the coming days by letter. She wants to know what they intend to do with the building. The options for the city hall are limited, Hujová told reporters today.
There have been heated discussions about the fate of the functionalist building for many years. Representatives of the owner, developer, and city hall signed a memorandum more than a year ago agreeing on the future cultural use of the heritage-protected object. However, the conversion of the large train station building into a social and cultural center would cost about two billion crowns.
Since the signing of the memorandum, according to the mayor, no one has moved from words to actions. "The city hall cannot substitute the activities of the state," stated Hujová. By the end of the year, the city district is expected to decide how to handle the submitted application for a change in the zoning plan, which involves the construction of buildings on the station site and includes plans for a tram line and a road.
The company Žižkov Station Development, formed by the merger of Czech Railways and the Sekyra Group, plans significant construction near the station. The investor originally wanted to demolish the station. However, part of the expert and lay public opposed this. The Ministry of Culture ultimately decided that the station, which stands on extensive unused land, must be preserved. The original plans for constructing a new city district still stand. The station will become its center.
However, questions remain about who will pay for the possible takeover and reconstruction of the station. The city hall and some non-profit organizations are striving to make the building a center for cultural activities. The previously discussed placement of the National Film Archive (NFÚ) is still in play. In recent months, the State Printing Works also expressed interest. However, according to the mayor, the printing works ultimately backed out of the intention. The premises are not suitable for operation.
The building, dating from the 1930s, is considered by experts to be among the most modern of its kind in Europe, both in terms of technology and architecture.