Praha's councilors will approve the reconstruction of the Old Town Market

Prague - The now-closed Old Town Market in the center of Prague could undergo reconstruction in the next two years, after which it would again serve its original purpose as a public marketplace. City councillors will vote on Monday to award the contract for the transformation of the building for approximately 429.9 million CZK excluding VAT. During the renovation, according to the project available to ČTK, among other things, the built ceiling from the 1980s is to be removed. The market's offering is to be largely aimed at local residents.

In January, the city council closed the hall, which also served as a passage between Rytířská and 28. října streets. Prior to that, in light of the planned reconstruction, it terminated the leases of the shops that remained in the space. The hall, covering an area of about 3,000 square meters, is currently divided by various fittings and partitions, which are expected to disappear after the reconstruction.

The most significant change is expected to be the removal of the suspended ceiling, which obstructs the view of the original partially glazed ceiling. In addition to sales stalls, the market is also to include a food court and a stage for events. The reconstruction will also involve the building next to the market entrance, which has previously served as storage. It is to be transformed into a glass showcase where goods will be displayed and there may also be refreshments. The second passage from Rytířská Street is also expected to be rejuvenated. The underground floor is planned to house the market's facilities.

The councillors approved the announcement of a public tender for the reconstruction in March 2018, the tender has already been completed, and the results just need to be confirmed. According to city councillor Jan Chabr (TOP 09), the city already has a building permit and nothing stands in the way of starting work if approved by the council. "My great ambition is for the market to become a center of activity in the city, a future social meeting place that offers both gastronomic and social and cultural aspects," said the councillor.

There are also plans to announce another tender for the market operator, who will need to adhere to the city's project, including the layout of shops and stalls and the offered assortment. This is intended to prevent the sale of only tourist items and souvenirs in the market. Instead, shops are to primarily offer fresh food and other assortments for local residents.

Initially, the city estimated the cost of the reconstruction at 336 million CZK excluding tax, but the price has increased through the tender process. According to information from ČTK, the city argues with a study from ČVUT, according to which the higher price is also appropriate and typical for that place and time. The previous mayor’s office planned to sign a contract with a private company that would renovate the market and then operate it for 25 years. However, that plan fell through.

The city’s approach has been criticized by the Prague 1 Chamber of Commerce, according to which reconstruction should only begin once the operator is known so that they can participate in the final shape of the space. "The operator will have their ideas about the internal layout, as well as the possibilities for supplies and other aspects of operation," said chamber vice-chairman Dvořák. The city now plans for the operator to be selected before the end of the reconstruction and to be involved in the final stages of the repairs.

The architecturally protected building was constructed between 1894 and 1897 according to the project of architect Jindřich Fialka, who was particularly inspired by Paris. The Prague building remained in its original form until the 1980s, aside from minor alterations, when the communist city leadership had a suspended ceiling built in the hall on a steel structure, which houses the utilities. The aim was to prevent heat loss; however, the building's original purpose intended it to be essentially a covered exterior. Similarly designed markets can be found in Barcelona, Dresden, Budapest, and Berlin.