<p>Three companies will compete for the plots on Rohanský Island in Prague</p>

Prague - Three companies will compete for the lucrative plots on Prague's Rohanský Island. Their advancement to the second round of the competition for the lease and subsequent sale of the large plots was approved today by the city council, said Mayor's deputy Pavel Klega (ODS) to reporters. The plots have a chance of being awarded to the companies Consortium Rohan, Development Pobřežní, and Avenzo Vice. The decision will be primarily based on their pricing offers.
The competition concerns more than 200,000 square meters of land. A new urban center is planned to be developed there, featuring residential buildings, services, hotels, offices, and greenery. A decision on who will construct it could be made by the end of June.
In the second round, the evaluation was originally intended to consider price, urbanism, construction schedule, and penalties in case of non-compliance. City council members dropped the urbanism criterion since it had already been assessed in the first round, making price weigh 80 percent instead of the original 60 percent. Klega emphasized that the original criteria were indicative and could be changed. The construction schedule and penalties remained weighted at ten percent each. According to Klega, the aim is to ensure guarantees that the selected investor will actually implement their plans within the offered timeframe.
The sale of part of the island raises concerns for the Green Party. They point out, for instance, that the island is not integrated into the public transport system. They argue that a unique opportunity to create a recreational area similar to Stromovka in the center will be wasted.
However, the Greens are not categorically opposed to new construction. It should be urbanistically sensitive, with a balanced ratio of built-up and open spaces and a thoughtful public transportation system. According to the Greens, buildings should be energy-efficient. "Such a project would be accepted by the Greens from Prague 8 with gritted teeth," said local representative for SZ Petr Vilgius to ČTK.
Seventeen applicants registered for the tender. These investors had to comply with an already developed urban study. According to legal assessment, eight offers met the conditions. The city's development department favored three candidates from an urbanistic perspective, who also complied with the formalities. These are the ones who advanced.
Karlín is already preparing for new construction. Flood barriers costing 626 million crowns have already been completed, and this year the extension of Pobřežní Street to the Libeň Bridge will be finished. This year's road construction will cost about 90 million crowns. With support from European funds, plots will be adjusted, and some old buildings will be demolished for 182 million crowns.
Rohanský Island is also awaiting further significant changes. Areas not protected by flood barriers will serve for residents' relaxation. The city wants to utilize approximately 60 hectares of local land for new greenery, sports, and recreation. It plans to restore a previously buried arm of the Vltava River, creating Rohanský and Maninský Islands.
According to plans, green areas with promenade paths and a lookout tower with a lighthouse will be located in the southern part. The northern part of the area with passenger ship docks should serve for sports and recreation. There will also be a natural amphitheater with a stage on the water. Some elements are intended to be constructed using funds obtained from the sale of the plots.
Rohanský Island, like the entire Karlín neighborhood it belongs to, was devastated by a catastrophic flood in August 2002. Now, this district is protected against potential future natural disasters by barriers whose construction cost 626 million crowns. Most of the plots offered by the city in the competition are in the protected part of the island.
The island emerged after 1550 on the site of an old river sediment. During regulation, it was partially connected to the Karlín area and merged with Libeň Island to the east. The current name derives from the name of Prague councilor and master carpenter Josef Rohan, who purchased the island in the mid-19th century.

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> Councilors: Projects on Rohanský Island will be best assessed by architects [April 7, 2008]
> The committee will discuss offers for the construction of Rohanský Island [February 6, 2008]
> Seventeen interested parties want plots on Rohanský Island in Prague 8 [September 17, 2008]