The Vyšehrad Station is set for renovation, the investor has the zoning decision

Prague - The dilapidated building of the former Vyšehrad train station could be repaired. The investor, Tip Estate, has obtained a zoning decision and can now apply for a building permit. This was announced at a joint meeting of representatives from the owner, conservationists, the city, and the Prague 2 municipal office. Today, Tomáš Ctibor, head of the Institute of Planning and Development (IPR), informed ČTK about it.
    Next week, a so-called inspection visit is to take place, during which conservationists and city representatives will tour the dilapidated monument with the investor. Subsequently, the investor is expected to apply for a building permit and present a work schedule. The issuance of the zoning decision gives him legal certainty based on which he can commence work, Ctibor told ČTK.
    Based on the outcome of the inspection, the Prague 2 municipal office is expected to take a position, as its building department will be issuing the building permit. According to Ctibor, the company promised to reconstruct the historical building together with the construction of two new buildings. It is still unclear when the building permit might be issued or when construction could start.
    Discussions about the reconstruction of the Vyšehrad station have been ongoing since 2002. According to a document from the municipality summarizing the history of the site, the repair has been delayed due to the revision of the original proposal for zoning procedures and also due to protests from the civic association Atelier for the Environment. The size of the new buildings was also criticized by Prague 2, prompting the investor to reduce them in the project. In 2011, the company informed the municipality that it was only carrying out maintenance work, claiming it lacked funds for reconstruction. In 2008, the company received a fine for unlawfully demolishing a half-timbered waiting room and cutting down trees and shrubs.
    In the area of the station, which it purchased in 2007 for over 40 million, the company plans, in addition to repairing the historical building, to build two new constructions – one multifunctional and one administrative. They are to be located on both sides of the historical station building and will include offices, a wellness center, shops, two small galleries, and dozens of parking spaces.
    The station was built between 1904 and 1905. Trains stopped here in 1960. Czech Railways do not anticipate resuming service, as the station is located in a curve and does not comply with current regulations. The Art Nouveau building has been declared a cultural monument.