Prague 5 is likely to obtain land from the city hall for the construction of a primary school

Prague - The Prague City Hall is likely to transfer land to Prague 5 near the special elementary school between V Cibulkách and Na Výši streets in Košíře. The district intends to build an elementary school on the property. In exchange for the parcels, the city is expected to obtain land in Nepomucká Street from the municipality, which could potentially serve special education in the future. The city council approved the exchange today, but the representatives will still vote on it.

Prague 5 had previously approached the city with the exchange proposal. The City Hall initially rejected it, stating that the land was not suitable for construction and that the plan would affect the special elementary school for children with autism spectrum disorders located next to it. According to the document approved today, the education department ultimately reassessed its negative stance on the condition that the special school would receive optimal conditions for educating students with special needs.

Prague councilor Jan Chabr (TOP 09) explained after the council meeting today that the special elementary school established by the City Hall should move from V Cibulkách Street to spaces created by renovating the wooden pavilion at Nepomucká Elementary School, colloquially known as dřeváček. This will free up the space on V Cibulkách, where the expansion of the current building onto adjacent land will allow the district to create a fully functional elementary school. Chabr added that the plan should be completed by the beginning of the 2023/2024 school year.

According to a demographic forecast commissioned by Prague 5, the population of Prague 5 is expected to increase by 12,000 to 19,000 people by the end of 2030, mainly due to new construction, rising from the current approximately 86,000. There will be a significant increase in the number of children and seniors. Therefore, according to the municipality's documents, an additional 1500 places in elementary schools will need to be secured. In addition to the planned school in Košíře, more schools are set to emerge in the developing Smíchov City district and in Barrandov.

There have been disputes regarding education at the Prague 5 municipality in connection with Mayor Renáta Zajíčková (from ODS) renting a school building on Plzeňská Street for her private gymnasium. Critics argue she should return it to its original purpose as an elementary school. The mayor previously stated that if it turns out to be the best solution, she is willing to vacate the building but needs more time to evaluate. She also rejected claims that she is in a conflict of interest, pointing out that she was not involved in politics at the time the lease agreement was signed.