The councilors are vigorously discussing the construction at Vítězné náměstí

Prague - A heated debate erupted today during an extraordinary meeting of the representatives of Prague 6 regarding the controversial development of a lucrative plot of land at Vítězné náměstí. Opposition representatives and several citizens criticized the coalition for past decisions regarding the municipal land where a commercial building is to rise instead of the previously planned town hall. However, Mayor Marie Kousalíková (ODS) strongly rejected the arguments. The project was also defended by a representative of the investor.
The discussion among the representatives lasted several hours. None of the proposals from the opposition TOP 09, the Greens, and the Communists managed to pass as expected. The opposition called for the city district to withdraw from the change to the zoning plan, to ensure that regulations were met during construction, and to obtain an appraisal of the land.
Several years ago, Prague 6 abandoned the plan to build a new town hall on the land, arguing that it would be more beneficial to renovate the current headquarters and collaborate with a private investor, PPF Real Estate, to construct a commercial building on the site. The company Vítězné náměstí was established for this purpose. However, two years ago, the town hall relinquished its share in this company for financial reasons. As a result, it became completely controlled by PPF Real Estate, which retained the municipal land in lease.
The opposition today criticized the coalition for not capitalizing on the profits from participation in the Vítězné náměstí company, which should have amounted to tens of millions, instead, the town hall receives 4.4 million per year. Furthermore, the renovation of the town hall cost around 460 million instead of the planned 250 million, as stated during the meeting.
The Vítězné náměstí company wants to build a multifunctional building called Line between Jugoslávských partyzánů and Verdunská streets. The proposal is generating emotions. "Due to the coalition of ČSSD and ODS, we have lost the opportunity to decide what will be built on the land... they knew about it and relinquished this right, they bear full responsibility," said Ivan Hrůza on behalf of the KSČM council group. "We remain the owners of the land, and thus, under the ownership right, we remain participants in all proceedings," stated ODS. The opposition fears that the land will be sold. The mayor rejected this notion.
"It is another wasted opportunity that the town hall is laying at the feet of PPF," said councilor Eva Smutná (TOP 09). According to her, a public utility building should be erected on the land. Instead, the town hall is pushing for a change in the zoning plan that would allow for the construction of an administrative building. "We urge you to change your stance without displaying intrigue," she added. Antonín Nechvátal from the Greens said that the coalition is doing "a service for PPF".
"You are not telling the truth," responded the mayor. "The fixation in the zoning plan was for the administrative building. Now that we have the town hall here, why should we continue to hold this fixation?" she said. Jan Chromeček from the Vítězné náměstí company reiterated before the representatives that the project originated from an architectural competition and complies with the zoning plan and all regulations. "We see the benefits of the building in enhancing the square and soundproofing the courtyard," he stated. "We want life in the square to be more pleasant, safer, and healthier," he added.
PPF Real Estate plans to start construction next year, and the building is expected to be completed in 2015.