NPÚ does not agree with the construction of tall buildings in Pankrác

Prague - The National Heritage Institute (NPÚ) disagrees with the planned construction of two high-rise buildings on the Pankrác Plain in Prague 4. This was stated in a position paper to civic associations that criticize the investor's plans. According to NPÚ, the contentious issue is that the buildings are to be located in close proximity to the historical core of the metropolis. They would impact the Prague skyline, the statement provided to ČTK today by NPÚ spokesman Zdeněk Musil says.
    According to the investor's plans, the company ECM, two additional high-rise buildings are to be added to the current three on the Pankrác Plain. The residential building is reportedly to have 31 floors, while the hotel is to have ten less. Heritage officials from the city hall had previously expressed a positive stance on the construction. The Ministry of Culture revoked their decision last year. However, this does not mean that they were opposed to the construction of high-rise buildings. The municipal heritage department issued a new approval in January. The associations have appealed against this to the ministry.
    Previous statements from the National Heritage Institute regarding the project were positive. The current statement, signed by the director of the NPÚ Central Office, Pavel Jeri, states that the previous approval was erroneous and outdated, and therefore invalid. "The Pankrác Plain was designated for the establishment of a center of local significance. High-rise construction was not foreseen here," the new statement reads.
    According to NPÚ, the intention to construct additional high-rise buildings touches on values that were the reason for the inscription of the heritage reserve on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Heritage officials believe that the construction of high-rise buildings on the plain could be possible after the approval of regulatory conditions that would be discussed with the UNESCO committee. They fear that consent to the current project would pave the way for further high-rise construction on the plain.
    Several civic associations argue that the new construction will bring nothing to the local people and will only increase traffic congestion in the area. In contrast, according to the investors' representatives, people will benefit from the project, as it anticipates the creation of a cultural center and spaces for shops and services.
    Mayor Pavel Bém (ODS) said at the end of January that the city's skyline on the plain was already destroyed by construction during socialism. Therefore, he believes UNESCO cannot be "so-called disturbed by the destruction of the skyline." "The only thing we can strive for now is the urbanization of the Pankrác Plain," the mayor noted. The final form of the plain will result from discussions among experts, he added.
    The ECM company has already renovated the former Motokov building as part of its extensive City project, now known as City Empiria. Currently, it is reconstructing the unfinished building of the former Czechoslovak Radio, which is named City Tower. A new building is the administrative City Point, which was designed by American architect Richard Meier. The complex also includes the City conference center.