The council of Prague today approved a change to the zoning plan for the Karlin barracks

Prague - The capital city has completed a change to the master plan that will allow the transformation of the former Karlín barracks. Today, the councilors approved it, and the city representatives will vote on it at their next meeting. Prague acquired the extensive property at the beginning of this year through an asset exchange with the state; according to earlier statements, there could be apartments, a cultural center, a technology park, or an educational facility developed there.

Currently, the area is still designated as military in the master plan. "That was a remnant of the past; it is clear that the building is no longer suitable for that," said Deputy Mayor Petr Hlaváček (STAN) today. After the change, the building with a courtyard will have a so-called mixed function, allowing various types of use. Hlaváček added that the city's contribution organization, Prague Development Company (PDS), has prepared a project proposal for the use of the building, which is currently being discussed with heritage protectors.

According to the deputy, by September next year, half of one of the floors could potentially be used as spaces for the Academy of Art, Architecture and Design. At the same time, the cultural and social center, which operated in the courtyard of the building from 2017 until this June, could secure occupancy and resume operations if the change in the master plan is approved. The building authority ordered the center to close, among other reasons, due to non-compliance with the master plan.

At the same time, according to Hlaváček, it is necessary to repair the facade of the building. Due to its poor condition and the risk of falling pieces of plaster, the municipal company Trade Centre Prague (TCP), which manages the area, had the adjacent sidewalks closed at the end of August. In the future, the repair of the roof will also be necessary, but that will happen in several years, the deputy added. "We anticipate gradual reconstruction," he said, adding that initially, the city will focus more on the lower floors and the ground floor of the building.

The historic Karlín barracks originate from the 19th century and were used for military purposes during both Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic. The building has been protected as a heritage site since 1958. In the past, the state has repeatedly tried to sell the area, but without success.