Praha 7: The exhibition grounds have great potential that Prague doesn't know how to utilize

Prague - The Exhibition Grounds in Prague's Holešovice have enormous potential, which however Prague has been unable to utilize for years. In an interview with ČTK, Lenka Burgerová (Prague 7 for itself), the councilor for the development of Prague 7, said this. The municipal office is striving to bring people back to the dilapidated area. It is working on restoring one of the significant promenades leading to Stromovka. However, the owner, which is the municipality, must want this, the councilor adds.

For years, Prague has been preparing investments at the Exhibition Grounds amounting to hundreds of millions of crowns. There are plans for the completion of a replica of the burned-down wing of the historic Industrial Palace and the restoration of some listed buildings. A study has been commissioned for this purpose. However, the Exhibition Grounds have not seen too many changes yet. Recently, the city management announced that it wants to repair the entrance gate next year and begin the reconstruction of the Lapidarium and Marold's panorama.

According to the local city hall, however, not too much money is needed in the first phase for the Exhibition Grounds to become a more pleasant place and regain its original dignity. "There is a feeling among people that the area is closed off. On the contrary, all entrances are accessible to pedestrians. Nevertheless, the Exhibition Grounds are empty," said Burgerová. However, she does not think it is the visitors' fault that their steps do not lead to the Exhibition Grounds.

"The goal is to remove the psychological barriers, such as the barriers that are at the gates to the area in Stromovka," she added. A proper step will be the repair of the main gate. Additionally, the municipal office would like to restore the promenade, allowing people to walk through the Exhibition Grounds from Na Zátorách Street to Stromovka.

The temporary hall, which was originally supposed to replace the burned wing of the Industrial Palace for a year or two, is considered a disgrace by the councilor. A fire engulfed the palace in 2008. "The hall is beyond its lifespan. People ask us what will happen next. However, we are not able to answer them. Everything depends on the owner," she added.

The Exhibition Grounds at Stromovka were created in 1891 on the occasion of the Jubilee Land Exhibition. A flood in 2002 caused significant damage to the area. Six years later, a fire engulfed the Industrial Palace.