The Prague Palace of Light is still awaiting complete renovation, Palmovka will receive it.

Prague – The heritage-protected Palace Svět in Prague-Liben is still waiting for a complete renovation. The owner of the building, Italian businessman Antonio Crispino, carried out minor repairs last year. The Prague 8 city hall, however, has no means to compel him to undertake a complete reconstruction. This was stated by the spokesperson for Prague 8, Martin Šalek, in response to an inquiry from ČTK. In contrast, repairs are expected at Palmovka and Bohumil Hrabal Square. The city hall and the municipal office recently announced that new construction will take place here, the area will be adjusted, including the bus station, and a tribute to the writer will also be created. Hrabal was born on March 28, 1914, and passed away 25 years ago on February 3, 1997.

The palace once housed the Svět cinema, which Hrabal frequented, and the storylines of several of his books take place there. The building was constructed in the 1930s and has been falling into disrepair for several years. According to Šalek, the owner had part of the facade and windows repaired last year, which are, however, wider than the original ones. "There is no further construction activity around the building," he stated.

From the perspective of the building authority, the structure does not endanger its surroundings, and thus the Prague 8 building authority is currently powerless, according to the spokesperson. Heritage conservationists still have valid conditions for the renovation of the building's interior, which they insist upon. Discussions about the restoration of the palace began back in 2006, when the city hall approved a reconstruction study. However, since then, the repairs have not progressed significantly, and in the past, the city hall imposed a fine on the owner.

In contrast, Palmovka will see a renewal with a new square. In the past, the metro exit to Na Hrázi Street was decorated in honor of Hrabal, who lived there. The northern part of the current bus station used to have houses, including the one where the writer lived and wrote.

During the reconstruction of the bus station, a new block of houses will be built at Palmovka. This will include both commercial spaces and apartments. A commercial passage will connect Na Žertvách Street with Na Hrázi Street. The building will also feature restaurants with outdoor seating. Areas referred to as "stay zones" will be created for residents to spend their free time. New rows of trees will be planted, and an apple tree that once grew in the courtyard of Hrabal's residence will also be placed there.

A small area with play elements, misting zones, and other water features will be created. There will also be space for a marketplace. All tram lines and some bus routes, specifically electric buses and trolleybuses, will remain. The current bus station buildings will be demolished. There will be a tribute to the writer, consisting of minor adjustments rather than a statue or monument. Alongside this, a collection of stories from leading Czech authors will be created, inspired by Hrabal's legacy.

The transformation of the square could be completed by 2025. The construction is estimated to cost 80 million crowns. Architects are currently drafting the documentation for the building permit, which will take approximately a year and a half.

Hrabal established himself in the literature of the second half of the 20th century as an author of exceptional observational talent and compelling narrative style. During his lifetime, he was, alongside Milan Kundera, the most internationally recognized Czech prose writer. His inspiration came from the environment and the people he knew intimately – often those from the "lower" tiers of society who felt excluded or were "different."