The skyscraper project in Prague's Nové Butovice has received a building permit

Prague – The Top Tower skyscraper project in Prague's Nové Butovice has received a building permit from the Prague 13 office. The building, standing 126 meters tall with a structure resembling a shipwreck designed by artist David Černý, is set to become the tallest building in the Czech Republic upon completion. The construction near the Nové Butovice metro station is being prepared by the development company Trigema.

Prague 13 spokesperson Lucie Steinerová confirmed to ČTK that the municipal office has issued the building permit. According to her, the project is expected to offer 250 apartments for the younger generation, and the location is intended to ensure good transport accessibility. When construction might begin is uncertain according to Steinerová; it will depend on the building authority.

According to the building permit, the building will have 44 floors, of which 37 are above ground and seven are underground. The basement will house garages offering 250 spaces and technical facilities. The first basement and first floor will feature commercial spaces, cafes, and reception areas, while above them there will be offices, a multifunctional hall, a rooftop terrace, and a bar. The upper floors will contain shared housing with smaller residential units and common areas. The top floor will be occupied by observation decks, cafes, and one luxury apartment.

The building's centerpiece will be a structure resembling a shipwreck, which will lean against the skyscraper itself. It was designed by architect Tomáš Císař and artist David Černý. The structure is expected to be about 10 meters taller than the building itself. According to the building permit, this architectural element aims to enhance the surroundings and create a new landmark for Nové Butovice.

The construction has previously been criticized by the opposition in Prague 13 and some local residents. Once completed, the Top Tower is set to be the tallest building in the Czech Republic. Currently, the title is held by the 111-meter-high AZ Tower in Brno.

Trigema, along with Císař and Černý, introduced the project in 2019. Last year, Prague city councilors approved a change to the zoning plan that permitted the construction, as well as a planning agreement with the investor. The investor has committed to providing the city of Prague and Prague 13 with contributions worth 75.7 million crowns.

Of that, 60.7 million will be received by Prague, including 14.7 million in the form of a cash grant, and the rest in the form of revitalizing a parking lot and an underpass under Bucharova Street, constructing two elevators to the pedestrian zone, and creating public space in front of the Lípa polyclinic. Prague 13 will receive 15 million crowns. In addition, the company will also provide a new pedestrian crossing, a pedestrian passage under Seydlerova Street, and a delivery passage under Bucharova Street.