In Nádražní Street, there will be no construction due to the water source

Prague - Construction is currently prohibited on the land near Nádražní Street in Prague, close to Smíchov Station. Prague councilors today halted the proceedings concerning a permit for an exemption from the construction ban related to the land where water wells serve as a reserve for the supply of the city. Councilor Hana Kordová Marvanová (for STAN) said this to reporters today. The company CWI Smíchov, whose director is Radek Menšík, owner of the development group UDI Group, wants to build several residential buildings and a larger office complex. The city is in a dispute with the company regarding the ownership of the land with the wells.

"The construction ban remains in effect. It is a priority for us that before any development is allowed in this area, the protection of this water source is resolved through proper administrative proceedings. Today's decision dispels any doubts about the possibility of building there without protection for the water source," Marvanová said.

The city wants to negotiate with the development company. "It is essential for us to establish a buffer zone for the water source of both the first and second degree. Historically, analyses have been carried out by the transport company (DPP) and by CWI, which diverge slightly. We need to reconcile these to determine the boundaries of the water source; without that, we cannot move forward," said Deputy Mayor Petr Hlubuček (STAN). According to him, the source is capable of supplying water to up to 600,000 residents for several days.

According to Marvanová, it is important to resolve the ownership dispute over the land with the water source, which is claimed by both CWI and DPP along with the city. Without resolving the dispute, the boundary of the water source cannot be delineated. "Our proposal is that CWI, as part of the constructive negotiations we are ready for, transfers the relevant land to the capital city. Then the water management proceedings can be expedited, and a decision on the protection of the water source can be made. Only then can a decision to lift the construction ban follow. Prague cannot be deprived of such an important water source," Marvanová said.

Based on the proposed changes to the zoning plan and the upcoming reconstruction of the tram line, Nádražní Street is expected to transform into an urban boulevard in the future. A completely new district is also planned in the vicinity on the land of Smíchov Station. This project, called Smíchov City, is being planned by Sekyra Group.

Construction bans in Prague are based on a regulation from 1999 in so-called major development areas, of which there are a total of 15 in the metropolis. The parcels on Nádražní Street are part of one of them.