Prague advances multifuntional project for new urban district at Nové Dvory

At a City Council meeting on Monday, 30 September, the Prague City Council took a significant step forward in the investment preparation of a major multifunctional project in the heart of the new Nové Dvory urban district in Prague 4. The project, which includes two buildings — Nové Dvory Vestibule South (Project 1a) and Nové Dvory Vestibule North (Project 1b) — is set to be developed directly above the new D line metro station, with its basements housing the metro entrances.

The buildings will focus on urban affordable housing, civic amenities, and a community and cultural hall, serving as key elements of the evolving Nové Dvory district. The Prague Development Company (PDS) will soon launch a tender for a design contractor to further develop the detailed design of both buildings.

Deputy Mayor Alexandra Udženija expressed the council’s commitment to expanding affordable housing in Prague. “We promised the people of Prague that we would get the construction of affordable housing moving, and today’s approval is proof that we are delivering on that promise,” she stated. She added that the new district will also offer essential amenities such as schools, nurseries, health facilities, and public spaces, aiming to benefit both current and future residents.

The overall development of Nové Dvory will cover 15 hectares of urban land, providing nearly 300,000 square meters of space primarily for urban rental housing, which will create around 2,000 apartments. In addition, approximately 130,000 square meters will be allocated for offices, restaurants, cafes, and shops, generating up to 5,000 new jobs. The district will also include a kindergarten, primary and secondary schools, a cultural center, and sports facilities. Construction of a new metro station and tram extension is underway, and the full development of the district is expected to take 10 to 15 years.

“The project is designed to be a sustainable urban center,” said Petr Hlaváček, Deputy Mayor for Strategic and Territorial Development. “The aim is to create a space that integrates housing, work, and recreational amenities, all within easy access to public transport.”

Petr Urbánek, Director of the Prague Development Company (PDS), emphasized that the multifunctional buildings, located above the Nové Dvory metro stop, will host retail spaces, administration offices, and social and cultural centers, alongside urban rental housing. “This is the initial and central hub of the new urban district,” he added.

Project Breakdown:

• Nové Dvory Vestibule South (Project 1a)
• Gross Floor Area (GFA): 86,400 m²
• Administration: 49,100 m²
• Retail: 23,150 m²
• Residential: 11,900 m²
• Cultural Center: 2,250 m²
• Underground parking: 1,500 spaces
• Nové Dvory Vestibule North (Project 1b)
• GFA: 8,500 m²
• Administration: 7,800 m²
• Retail: 700 m²
• Underground parking: 110 spaces

New Urban District: Nové Dvory

Nové Dvory is situated on the border of Prague 4 and Prague 12. In May 2024, Prague’s City Council approved an amendment to the zoning plan, allowing for a significant increase in building capacity around the future Nové Dvory metro station. The development will consist of up to 2,000 urban apartments and mixed-use buildings above the metro station, combining housing, office spaces, retail, and community services. The development is expected to create space for up to 5,000 new residents and 5,000 new jobs.

A Sustainable Vision for Nové Dvory

The urban study prepared by UNIT architects in 2021 outlines four key aspects of Nové Dvory’s development: social, economic, environmental, and cultural sustainability.

• Social: The development will create an inclusive community with affordable housing aimed at professionals such as teachers, healthcare workers, and police officers, along with provisions for single parents and seniors.
• Economic: The project will support economic growth by offering office and retail spaces in the district, generating rental income to help offset public investments.
• Environmental: The design incorporates green infrastructure, such as rainwater capture and green spaces, and promotes the use of public transport, with new metro and tram services.
• Cultural and Educational: Cultural amenities, including a cultural center, schools, and sports facilities, will support the community’s social and recreational needs. Additionally, restaurants and cafes will provide local dining options for residents and visitors alike.

The transformation of Nové Dvory into a vibrant urban center is set to provide Prague with much-needed affordable housing while fostering sustainable growth and creating a balanced environment for work, recreation, and community living.