The Smíchov City project could start construction in 2018

Prague - The first phase of the Smíchov City project on the site of the former freight station in Prague's Smíchov district could begin construction in early 2018. On an area of 25,000 square meters, 400 apartments and an office building of 10,500 square meters are expected to be built. This was stated by Leoš Anderle, the executive director of the development company Sekyra Group, which owns the land, during a meeting with journalists today.

"We want to submit the project for zoning approval in October, and we expect to have the zoning decision by the middle of next year. Ideally, if there are no appeals, we could have the building permit in the first quarter of 2018," Anderle said.

The first phase includes three separate buildings near the Na Knížecí bus station. The buildings will have a maximum of six floors, and the ground floor is planned to have spaces for restaurants, cafés, offices, or smaller shops. "If everything goes smoothly, the first phase could be completed by the end of 2020," Anderle added. Based on an urban study by A69 architects, the first phase of the project is designed by the firm Kuba & Pilař architects, Haascookzemmrich Studio 2050, Chalupa Architekti, Lábus - AA - Architectural Studio, A69 architects, D3A, and Projektil architects.

Overall, the project covers 216,099 square meters of land. According to Anderle, it should have five to six phases and could be completed in about 12 to 15 years. "We consider it important that the city wants to involve the public in discussions about the area's shape. We are aware that we are preparing projects that will change the character of the city and will impact the lives of a large number of residents," Anderle further stated. The project includes two parks covering a total area of 22,000 square meters, which will be intersected by a 28-meter-wide boulevard. This is about half the width of Wenceslas Square. The axis of the boulevard would intersect the highest point of St. Vitus Cathedral at Prague Castle on the northern side.

In total, Smíchov City could accommodate up to 3,300 residents, and about 190,000 square meters of space for services, shopping, and offices are also planned. The project also includes a primary and nursery school as well as cultural centers. Construction is expected to proceed from the Na Knížecí bus stop. Within the Prague Smíchov station premises, the project includes a multi-story P+R parking facility. "We expect that part of the current bus station will move to these premises. And a new plaza about the size of the Old Town Square will be created at Na Knížecí," Anderle added.