Revitalization of Smíchov train station should begin in spring 2017

Prague - Smíchov Station Development, which is a joint venture of the developer Sekyra Group and Czech Railways, wants to begin revitalization of the Smíchov station in spring 2017, when it plans to start construction of the first phase of the extensive project. Leoš Anderle, the director of development at Sekyra Group, who is also the vice-chairman of the board of Smíchov Station Development, said this to ČTK today. The investor has already selected the winner of the architectural competition for the northern part of the area, whose name will be announced on Wednesday. The developer estimates the total cost of the project at 15 billion crowns.
"During this March, we would like to create a functional team of architects who would specifically work on some part of the project. We would like to obtain the zoning decision in the first half of next year, after which we would begin the sale of apartments and commercial spaces. We now expect the construction to start in spring 2017," Anderle told ČTK. However, he admitted that these deadlines only apply if all proceedings go smoothly and do not have to deal with complicated appeals.
Today, the investor was supposed to present the winner of the international architectural competition for the design of the northern part of the area between Radlická and Nádražní streets to the representatives of the Prague 5 district. Twelve architectural firms participated in the competition, five of which were from abroad. However, due to the presence of the public and journalists at the meeting, the developer did not disclose the winner's name, citing that they had not yet informed the authors of the competition proposals. Therefore, the winning study will be announced on Wednesday.
The Smíchov City project aims to create a new center for all of Smíchov at the site of the Smíchov freight railway station. On an area of approximately 210,000 m², Sekyra Group, in collaboration with Czech Railways, plans to build office, commercial, and residential buildings, which will be divided by a wide green boulevard. The project is also expected to include several public squares, a primary school with a kindergarten, and a modern shopping center.
The project also includes relocating the Na Knížecí terminal closer to the Smíchov station, thus creating a new transportation hub connecting the railway and bus stations with the metro station and tram stop. Last year in May, the investor achieved a change in the zoning plan after seven and a half years, which allows for extensive construction in the area.