Prague plans to reconstruct the Gymnasium of Prof. J. Patočka

Prague – The Prague City Hall plans to renovate the Gymnasium of Prof. J. Patočka on Jindřišská Street in Prague 1. The architectural studio Masák & Partner will prepare the project documentation for the city for 12.1 million crowns excluding VAT. This follows information from the Public Procurement Bulletin and statements from Prague spokesperson Tadeáš Provazník. The works will also include the construction of a covered atrium with a gym in the courtyard of the building. The costs and start date are not yet known.

According to the spokesperson, the work will take place in phases, as the gymnasium building is large and complex. Architects will first prepare a study that will also include an estimate of investment costs and a suitable division into stages. "It is not yet possible to say when construction could begin, as this will also be subject to this study," Provazník stated.

The work will, according to the spokesperson, consist of renovating the interior spaces, building an atrium in the main courtyard of the building, creating an attic space, and an extension in the smaller southwestern courtyard. The atrium will feature a gym spanning two floors and above it, a covered foyer for spending free time between classes, community gatherings of students and teachers, and also for public events organized by the school.

According to Provazník, the attic extension will create new spaces for teaching as well as social and administrative facilities for the school. "Due to the attic extension, it will also be necessary to build an elevator, which will also make the school barrier-free. The renovation also includes the replacement of the school's internal installations and other partial works," the spokesperson added.

Prague has been facing a shortage of capacity in secondary schools, especially gymnasiums, over the past two years, due to large incoming classes and the fact that a greater number of children from the Central Bohemia Region are heading to schools in Prague. City representatives previously stated that Prague lacks billions of crowns for school construction and requested state funding involvement. This year, according to last year's statement from the city councilor for education, Antonín Klecanda (STAN), the city aims to increase capacities in secondary schools by hundreds of places.