In the area of the Vinohradská Waterworks, there will be an educational center about water

Prague - Prague wants to build an educational center Hydropolis Prague in the area of the Vinohradská Waterworks, which will show the public the process of producing and distributing drinking water. The construction of the project, costing 200 million crowns, is expected to start in two years, with completion slated for 2024. Today, the project was presented to journalists by the mayor's deputy, Petr Hlubuček (STAN).

"This project will enable schools, kindergartens, and the general public to learn about water management in a modern way. Its implementation will significantly contribute to understanding the connections with the goals of the approved climate change adaptation strategy," Hlubuček stated.

The construction will be a collaboration between the municipal company Prague Waterworks (PVS), the operator of Prague Water and Sewage (PVK), and the company Veolia, which owns the majority in PVK. The costs will be evenly shared between PVK and PVS. Today, all parties involved signed a memorandum for the project.

The project includes the reconstruction of the historical water tower from 1882 and the entire waterworks complex, which is in a state of emergency. The spaces will feature multimedia and lecture rooms with facilities capable of accommodating over 220 people, a new exhibition area for interchangeable exhibitions, and an observation deck on the top of the tower overlooking Prague. The area of the waterworks buildings will also be transformed, making it accessible to the public and showcasing the water purification system, for example.

According to councilor Jan Chabr, this is the result of a long discussion about the future of the historical building. "From a property perspective, this is one of the most meaningful uses of the site, where the tradition and history of the building will be partially preserved while also serving as an educational center for future generations regarding water management," he said.

The project now has a completed architectural study, and the documentation for the building permit is also being developed. The plan has already been approved by the city council.