Developer is modifying the extensive area of the former paper mill near the Radbuz and the center of Plzeň

Plzeň – The Plzeň developer BC Real is adjusting almost an 11-hectare area of the former paper mill by the Radbuz River near the city center. In the New Paper Mill, 1500 apartments will be created within eight years, 350 are already completed. The developer will restore four heritage-protected buildings for residents' services, including shops, services, clinics, restaurants, offices, sports, galleries, and a music club, said architect and co-owner of BC Real Patrik Novák to ČTK.

The New Paper Mill will feature a waterfront and park, according to Novák, as an open space for all Plzeň residents. A square with an area of over 3000 square meters will be part of the new district, situated between the listed halls Kotelna and Varna, where cultural events can be held and it will become an art gallery in public space.

"Three blocks, each over 100 years old, are protected as cultural heritage, some parts of which are over 150 years old, as well as the chimney. The Brána block is already completed, a black-and-white building on Zahradní Street with a new passage that connects the entire locality. It is one of the first houses in Plzeň made from monolithic reinforced concrete. It was built by the legendary local company Müller & Kapsa at that time," he said.

The heritage-listed halls made of bare brick, Kotelna and Varna, are closer to the river. "Kotelna already has its gable and side walls repaired. Now they will bring a replica of the steel structure for the roof, as the original could not be saved," stated Tomáš Strnádek, operations director of BC Real. The reconstruction of Varna is in preparation, and a project for the renovation of the 89-meter chimney is being developed.

Kotelna is to be completed in the second half of 2028, Varna two years later. "Kotelna will be lively, Varna quieter, more commercial," Strnádek noted. According to him, tenants are already being sought, and the spaces will be tailored to them. The chimney, which the public will be able to look into, will be used for art projections.

According to Novák, the private square will allow for quick and dynamic work with the space. "There could immediately be a summer cinema, winter skating, food and drink festival," he mentioned. Spots for sculptures and installations have already been identified. The renovated halls will include spaces for galleries and studios for artists. Similarly, Café Papírna had functioned for many years, which according to Strnádek had to give way to renovations.

"Plzeň, which has always been a city of industry, has three essential enterprises. The brewery continues to operate and thrive, Škodovka, where part of the area is still used for its original purposes, and the Paper Mill, which has a clear vision. Let’s show that identity, restore it and live with it," said the architect.

The New Paper Mill is a joint venture between BC Real and the property owner KRPA Investment, the former Krkonošské paper mills. The project has been in preparation for five years. The district already has approved names for the main streets – Piettová after the original Piett's paper mill, Kalandrová, U Kotelny, U Varny, Obálková, and others.

"Each year we start one phase of the apartment buildings, and the interest is enormous," said Strnádek. The buildings by the river and the houses at the entrance on Zahradní Street are completed; by the end of the year, a building with 180 apartments will be finished, which will have two towers with ten and 15 floors. Additional houses are under construction. A new waterfront will be created along the New Paper Mill and the opposite DEPO2015, where BC Real is preparing additional residential blocks in connection with Plzeň.