South City is looking for land for a new town hall

Prague - In the future, Jižní Město should see a new town hall. The municipal district is currently looking for a suitable plot of land to build the building. CTK was informed about this by the spokesman for Prague 11, Josef Škvor. Prague 7 also wants to operate in a new facility; in recent years, other municipal districts have also acquired new town hall buildings, some of which have undergone extensive renovations.
    According to Škvor, the new building should be located near the metro stations Háje, Opatov, or Chodov. "We are actively searching and have also invited landowners to offer us their plots," Škvor said. The municipality has very few plots available.
    The area where the new town hall will stand must meet a number of conditions. For example, it must have an area of over about 6,000 square meters, and the construction of the town hall must also be permitted by the zoning plan. The plot must have only one owner.
    The town hall requires that the location or adjacent areas allow safe access for people, including those with disabilities; it must also be possible to install flagpoles as well as fountains and benches on the plot. Prague 11 also does not forget about parking; it should be possible to build either parking spaces on the plot or an underground parking garage. Another option is a nearby central parking lot.
    When the new town hall will be built is still unknown. "Currently, evaluations of possible construction variants, including financing, are being prepared with consulting and legal firms," Škvor stated. This will be followed by a project.
    Currently, the office is located in four buildings, which makes it difficult for citizens to handle their affairs. The operation of the four buildings is also costly. "The buildings are not insulated and their potential regeneration would require quite significant financial resources," Škvor explained.
    Plans for a new town hall near the Vltavská metro station are also being developed in Prague 7. The town hall envisions building an eight-story multifunctional building. The highest floor should house a cultural center, and the next three floors are to serve the municipal office. The remaining floors, according to the town hall's plan, should be rented out. According to spokesman Martin Vokuš, this is a long-term process. The aim of the town hall is to be located in its own building; currently, it operates in a building owned by the state. The Cultural House Vltavská has also been leasing its premises for many years.
    Prague 13 also acquired a new town hall building for 360 million crowns in 2003. The atypical town hall building with a glass tower near the Hůrka metro station has become a new landmark of Sluneční náměstí.
    The sixth municipal district also considered building a new town hall, but last year, the representatives voted for a cheaper option - the renovation of the existing town hall. By the end of 2009, it will be expanded with an addition in the courtyard.
    The town hall of Prague 2 underwent renovations in 2004 and 2005. Only the outer walls and the central load-bearing wall remained from the original building; the workers preserved only one ceiling while all others had to be demolished. Last year, the town hall of Prague 8, known as the White House, was also repaired. New offices, a bistro, and a reception were added.