Praha 1 plans to transform Na Poříčí Street, aiming to start next year

Prague – The Prague 1 City Hall plans modifications to Na Poříčí street along its entire length from Republic Square to Florenc. The goal is to transform the street into an urban boulevard that will be more welcoming for pedestrians. ČTK was informed today by the mayor of the district, Petr Hejma (STAN). The city intends to supplement and adjust the greenery in the street, including planting new trees, as well as widening sidewalks and placing benches and other street furniture. The city is also preparing similar modifications for Revolutionary Square.

"A complete project documentation for the building permit is being prepared, and it is anticipated that we could obtain the building permit this year so that we can start the implementation next year," said the mayor. The project is being developed by TaK Architects studio under the direction of architect Marek Tichý. "I believe that the timeline for the implementation of the works next year is not unrealistic," said the architect to ČTK.

Tichý further stated that the main problem of the street is the loss of authenticity. "It is more a place that one has to pass through than one that someone would want to visit," he said. He added that Na Poříčí is historically one of the most important urban axes, which is reflected in the architecturally valuable buildings. Among the buildings in the street are the Archa and YMCA palaces from the 1920s, as well as the Bílá Labuť department store from the late 1930s.

"This showcase of architecture is today somewhat dusty from layers of incoherent modifications and opportunistic changes that have essentially erased the urban street front," Tichý continued. According to him, the architects aimed in their proposal to restore the street front and to increase safety and comfort for pedestrians. "It is crucial to calm traffic in this regard, improve and expand the recreational areas, complement urban furniture, improve the quality of lighting, and then have a completely new concept for greenery and water management," he noted.

The costs of the modifications are, according to Hejma, still unclear. "At the moment we obtain the building permit, we will know the final amount," he said. Tichý added that costs will also depend on what obstacles arise during the building permit process and how extensive the requirements will be from the affected authorities and providers of technical and communication infrastructure.

In addition, the capital city is preparing modifications for another street that connects to Republic Square. In the future, the tram stop on Revolutionary Square is to be relocated, sidewalks will be widened, and a new square will be created.

Hejma further stated that the city district still counts on the previously criticized construction on the plot adjacent to Lannova Park at the end of the street near Štefánik Bridge. "We definitely plan to provoke a discussion about what should be there. And I would be glad if we could eventually organize an international architectural competition for it, because there should be some real landmark with a public function," said the mayor. However, Prague city councillors ended the process of amending the zoning plan necessary for the construction in September 2019.