Starostové want a study of a wide area due to the government district

Prague - Representatives of the districts that would be affected by the possible construction of a government district at the C metro terminal in Letňany consider it necessary to first develop a land study. This study should map the possibilities of development in the broad area. By the end of the week, the mayors of Prague 9, Letňany, Kbely, and Čakovice will meet with Mayor Zdeněk Hřib (Pirates). This was stated by the mayors of the affected districts after today's joint meeting.

"We agreed that we would proceed uniformly, that we would address all our demands together," said Letňany Mayor Zdeněk Kučera (ANO) after the meeting. The districts want to gain access to discussions about the construction, so they do not only find out everything from the newspapers. According to Prague 9 Mayor Jan Jarolím (ODS), it is necessary for the capital city to act decisively and unified on this matter.

According to Kbely Mayor Pavel Žďárský (for Kbely our home), the entire government district project, including housing, is the state's intention, but it will depend on the stance of the districts. "Without their consent, the consent of the districts here in this area, no one will build even a shed for firewood," he said.

If a government district is to be built in the contemplated area, the mayors demand that a study be developed to address the area's development. "It is necessary to work on a land study for the entire extensive area; we need to have a clear idea of what this area wants, what it can bear, and then proceed further," said Jarolím, adding that key issues are transportation, education, and healthcare.

Northern Prague is a place where apartments are increasing significantly, so the mayors want to incorporate building plans in the districts into a single map to clarify how to approach the development of infrastructure, as transportation infrastructure is already at capacity limits today. "This area cannot bear any additional traffic; new communication routes need to be created," said Žďárský, mentioning that both internal and external ring roads are needed.

According to Čakovice Mayor Jiří Vintiška (ODS), it is already too late regarding investments in transportation. Therefore, if the government district is to be built, it is necessary to prepare the area for new construction by building new roads or even revitalizing the railway. "It is essential for the state to further develop investment opportunities and bring them to some results so that this area is not underdimensioned in terms of transportation," Vintiška added.

The mayor met with Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) last Wednesday regarding further use of city land in Letňany; he has so far rejected the construction of an administrative complex. After the meeting, both politicians stated that they would continue negotiations. The city demands the creation of a multifunctional district, where, however, there could also be an area for office workers. The city hall, however, sets conditions and demands that the state pays for the completion of the city ring road amounting to 60 billion crowns for the land. It also wants to acquire the Karlín barracks and the rest of the Bulovka Hospital area from the state. According to Hřib, office workers could move from the Škodův palác to the barracks after 2028, and city apartments could be built on the hospital land.

The use of over 30 hectares of land near the metro station has been under consideration by the city for a longer time. Currently, there are fields on this land; in the past, former Mayor Pavel Bém wanted to build a complex for the Olympic Games on the plots.