Prague’s city council has voted to acquire the historic Žižkov Freight Station building and adjacent land from Czech Railways (ČD) for approximately CZK 1.43 billion. City representatives still have to approve the landmark deal, but the decision marks a major step in transforming this protected monument into a vibrant cultural and educational hub.
The ambitious redevelopment plans include creating a cultural center, educational campus, residential units, and office spaces within the functionalist building. The transaction also secures land the city will need to build a new tram line. That will be crucial, since developers plan to build housing for up to 15,000 residents. Central Group, Sekyra Group, Penta, and Finep are already developing housing projects in the district. Once it’s renovated, the station building would serve as both a public amenity center and a significant cultural-social hub for the entire city.Deputy Mayor Petr Hlaváček said the acquisition paves way to fill the building with educational facilities, residential, a potential polyclinic, and space for the National Film Archive. “For a long time, it looked like there would be a joint effort between the city and Sekyra Group, but later the political representation decided that from a legal standpoint, it would be more appropriate if we bought the building ourselves,” said Deputy Mayor for Urban Development Petr Hlaváček. “If the building was owned by the developer and the city was merely a tenant, it would significantly complicate the project.”
Finance Councilor Zdeněk Kovářík emphasized that profitable ventures must predominate to ensure the project’s financial sustainability.
The functionalist building, constructed between 1934 and 1937 by architects Karel Caivas and Vladimír Weiss, received protected heritage status in 2013 following years of local activism against demolition plans. Just a few businesses now use it, along with an art studio.
