The construction of skyscrapers in Prague 7 is possible only after discussion

Prague - The construction of skyscrapers in Prague 7 Holešovice by the J&T group is, according to the mayor of this district, Marek Ječměnek, eventually possible after extensive discussions. It is important for developers to defend the construction to the public, as per his statement to ČTK.
    The district of Prague 7 must approve the construction of skyscrapers in the council. "If the development companies can justify their project in front of everyone and convince us of its benefits for the district, we will gladly support it. At this moment, I cannot say whether I am for the construction of high-rise buildings in Prague 7," the mayor told ČTK.
    According to the mayor, the debate about construction should involve, alongside the relevant self-government bodies, investors, conservationists, environmentalists, structural engineers, citizens, and representatives of civic initiatives.
    The mayor does not believe that it is necessary to adhere to the current height of buildings in Prague during construction. "Regulations should ensure that there are not too high skyscrapers here, but they should allow space for interesting architectural ideas," he stated.
    The J&T group plans to build skyscrapers up to 42 floors in Holešovice for four billion crowns. The tallest building in Prague currently is the former Czech Radio building, which measures 109 meters. The new skyscrapers should surpass it by dozens of meters.
    The construction of skyscrapers has many opponents in Prague, one of their arguments being that the city is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. According to experts, there is a risk that Prague could be added to the list of "endangered monuments" because skyscrapers would disrupt the unique historical panorama. There has been a dispute in Prague for several years over two thirty-story towers in the shape of a V in Pankrác, which are to be 104 meters tall, just like the former headquarters of Motokov.
    The former Tesla land in Holešovice was auctioned off by the J&T group two years ago. The company has planned the construction of five buildings on the site, including two high-rise ones. So far, a development study has been completed in three variants. The ground-level alternative counts on 20 floors, the compromise proposal includes 33 floors, and the extreme variant plans for 42 floors.
    The entire Tower City Holešovice project includes one hundred thousand square meters of new administrative, commercial, and residential space. The group anticipates that at least a third of the project should consist of apartments, which amounts to about three hundred residences.
    Discussions regarding skyscrapers are also taking place abroad. For instance, in London, a new high-rise building is set to be constructed, which already has a nickname, Walkie Talkie - a portable radio. This is due to the shape reminiscent of the Ericofon phone from 1954. UNESCO and Minister Ruth Kelly are against the construction of this building. Furthermore, for example, the Vienna magistrate recently approved the construction of two skyscrapers, 220 and 160 meters tall.