The leadership of Prague 6 will discuss the appearance of Vítězné náměstí

Prague - The representatives of Prague 6 will discuss the construction and use of the land at Vítězné náměstí during a special meeting next week. The lucrative land belongs to the municipality, and PPF Real Estate will build an administrative building on it. A section of the opposition wants Prague 6 to actively participate in the discussion about what kind of building will rise on the square and how it will serve the residents. Opposition representative Alexander Holub (TOP 09) told ČTK. Mayor Marie Kousalíková (ODS) claims that the project has already been discussed by the representatives and has repeatedly been addressed by the urban development commission.
     The original plans from the 1990s envisioned a new town hall to be built on the land between Jugoslávských partyzánů and Verdunská streets. However, Prague 6 ultimately abandoned the idea, opting for the renovation of the existing municipal building and collaborating with PPF for the construction of a commercial building at Vítězné náměstí. According to Holub, the land lease was expected to generate 30 to 40 million crowns annually for the city budget.
     Last year, however, Prague 6 agreed that PPF could build on the site themselves. The original rent, which was to go to the city treasury, was reduced to around four million crowns. "Prague 6 lost influence over what will be built on the square," claims Holub. Additionally, he noted that by requesting a change in the zoning plan, they intend to forfeit the opportunity for public spaces in the planned administrative building. PPF wants to build a massive structure with 18,000 square meters of offices and shops.
     However, the mayor rejects the opposition's arguments. According to her, the council approved a regulatory study that fixes the basic parameters of the building, such as height, shape, and capacity. Moreover, the investor's proposal was discussed by a commission and a working group composed of representatives from both the coalition and the opposition, which had access to expert opinions from architects.
     "We will request that Prague 6 withdraw the request for a change in the zoning plan and that, as the affected authority, insist that the ratio of public spaces be maintained in the building and that the construction complies with regulations so that it fits into the form of Vítězné náměstí," stated Holub. According to him, the opposition wants to discuss the matter in the council "without political tension." "The resolution could transcend political parties," he claims. If the city management turns its back on it, it will mean that "other" interests have prevailed, he added.
     "I don't understand what more the representatives should intervene in," responded the mayor. According to her, the investor originally offered the ground floor and the eighth floor for public needs. However, the municipality requested the ground floor and the first floor. "Currently, the building will have two floors dedicated to civic amenities," added Kousalíková.