Prague will sign a contract for the project of completing the Industrial Palace

Prague - Prague has decided to conclude a contract for the preparation of project documentation for the Industrial Palace. The company Cigler Marani Architects a.s. will process it for 166 million. This was stated today by the Deputy Mayor Ivan Kabický (ODS) to ČTK. The company will prepare proposals for the reconstruction of the burned-out wing, the construction of a pedestrian underpass under the central part, and solutions for the surroundings of the building. According to Kabický, construction could begin in early 2014, with costs estimated at 1.6 billion.
The architectural competition for the reconstruction of the palace was announced in September 2009. In June 2010, the council selected the project from Cigler Marani Architects as the best offer. Since then, discussions about concluding the contract have taken place with the company.
According to Kabický, the reconstruction has been divided into two parts. The first phase includes the reconstruction of the Industrial Palace itself and the construction of the underpass, while the second involves the repair of the Křižík Fountain. Whether Prague decides to proceed with the reconstruction of the fountain in the future will depend on the city leadership.
The Cigler Marani firm should now present the city with a comprehensive proposal for the reconstruction of the palace and its surroundings, after which representatives of both sides will discuss six individual parts. These include the adjustment of the space between Dukelských hrdinů street and the building, the underpass under the central part, underground spaces under the replica of the burned-out wing, the reconstruction of the western wing itself, the solution of the area towards the Křižík Fountain, and the traffic situation around the sports hall. The city will be able to comment on the individual projects, Kabický added. The actual construction work could start according to him at the beginning of 2014.
The proposal with which architect Jakub Cigler won the competition plans to place the palace's facilities in a new underpass, following the example of the Louvre in Paris, from where it will be possible to ascend directly into the palace or continue further towards the Křižík Fountain. An underground exhibition hall could be created beneath it, which the city has been planning for a long time within the complex. In addition, Cigler also recommended expanding the park and connecting the Exhibition Grounds with Stromovka. However, whether these additional proposals will be realized will depend on the city's financial capabilities.
Part of the funding for the construction has been secured from insurance. The insurance company has assessed the damage at about 181 million crowns, but according to Prague, it exceeds 1.2 billion crowns. Therefore, the city is suing the insurers.
The Industrial Palace was built for the Jubilee Provincial Exhibition, which took place from May to October 1891. The Industrial Palace is listed as a cultural monument as part of the Exhibition Grounds, which has been under heritage protection since the 1950s. In October 2008, a large fire damaged the palace.