The office has initiated proceedings for the demolition of the center in Kobylisy, locals are against it

Prague - The Building Authority of Prague 8 has initiated proceedings for the demolition of the so-called district center in the Ďáblice housing estate in Kobylisy, which CPI Reality plans to replace with high-rise buildings. This follows from the bulletin board of Prague 8. The leadership of Prague 8, local residents, and the association Krásné Kobylisy are protesting against the proposal. According to a municipal study, the center on Střelničná Street is to continue serving as a center for commerce, services, and community life.

The Building Authority commenced the proceedings for the demolition permit on Wednesday; participants in the proceedings, such as neighboring property owners, may submit objections within ten days. According to the announcement regarding the initiation of the proceedings, it can be assumed that the building's conduits are sealed with asbestos sealing cords, and before demolition work begins, an investigation will need to be conducted to specify the extent of asbestos presence.

The leadership of Prague 8 is opposed to the project, with representatives previously stating that the investor refuses to coordinate with the town hall and to comply with the valid urban study, which stipulates that the land is to continue serving its current purpose.

Local residents are also against it; they organized a petition against the proposal and have repeatedly protested it at city council meetings. "CPI submitted a demolition request last year, a month after the urban study for the Ďáblice housing estate was approved. This clearly stipulates a low-rise building at this site and its use for civic amenities. CPI is thus acting on force," said Ladislav Čapek, chairman of the Krásné Kobylisy association.

He added that the association is prepared to support local residents and assist them in filing objections. Jan Vocel, a member of the petition committee, stated that petitioners consider it crucial for the city council to get involved and initiate negotiations with CPI to acquire the center for the City of Prague. "CPI would never have planned such outrageous construction if the City did not sell the land under the unfriendly acquired buildings to them in 2010," he noted.

The urban study for the area was approved by the municipality last year and establishes so-called lines that show where new constructions cannot be built between buildings and similarly where existing buildings cannot be expanded. The study allows for two additional floors, one of which will be so-called set-back. Likewise, for low-rise buildings serving as civic amenities, two additional floors may be added. The study also addresses greenery and the appearance of public space.

The housing estate in Ďáblice was created in 1968 and was to be part of the so-called Northern City. Despite its name, it is not part of the municipal district of Prague- Ďáblice, but rather the cadastral area of Kobylisy in Prague 8.