Prague Intercontinental building area plans received an invalid zoning decision

by   CIJ News iDesk III
2021-06-14   07:16
/uploads/posts/b54bab3e65edfbe282e92edc8cc755bf5499c172/images/765062183.png

The owners of the Intercontinental Hotel in Prague have so far obtained an invalid zoning decision for a project to renovate its surroundings, including a new building on a piazza named after Miloš Forman. The decision was posted by the building authority of Prague 1 on the official notice board, they have a possibility to file an appeal against decision within 15 days. The three-storey building on the piazzetta was rejected by some locals, politicians and the Czech Chamber of Architects.

In January 2019, the Intercontinental Hotel was bought by entrepreneurs Oldřich Šlemr, Eduard Kučer and Pavel Baudiš through their R2G fund. Subsequently, they presented a project that envisages a comprehensive renovation of the hotel's surroundings, including new public spaces and buildings. The plan for a new glass building on the corner of Pařížská and Bílkova streets aroused resistance. According to critics, the piazzetta should remain undeveloped.

However, the building authority considers the project, including new buildings, to be beneficial and in accordance with all requirements and regulations. "The building authority states that the submitted revitalization proposal will expand the public space in the area of ​​the project to almost 6,000 sqm, which it considers a benefit in terms of urban and architectural," the zoning decision states.

The capital objected to the plan through the Institute of Planning and Development (IPR) and dozens of individuals. Prague 1 also filed objections, but only demanded verification that the whole process had proceeded as it should and did not declare their disagreement with the construction to the town hall.

IPR argued, for example, that the investor did not sufficiently communicate with the public about the plan. On the objection that the construction on the piazzetta is not in accordance with the zoning plan, the Office referred to the popinion of the Department of Development at the Municipality, which is legally binding for decision-making. The Office also rejected other objections submitted, such as that the building does not comply with the Prague Building Regulations or with the requirements of the Prague Monument Reserve.

"The building authority of the Prague 1 district, as the competent administrative body, assessed the compliance of the plan with the Building Act, assessed the objections and agreed with the previously issued approval opinions of the state administration bodies concerned," commented Jakub Dyba, R2G's new investment director.

The owners have already started the reconstruction of the hotel, which will be operated by the Fairmont Hotels & Resorts chain under the name Golden Prague Hotel after the reconstruction.

The InterContinental Hotel was established on Pařížská Street between 1968 and 1974 in collaboration with three architectural groups led by Karel Filsak. It was the first international five-star hotel in the former Czechoslovakia and is one of the architecturally significant new buildings in the city center. Last year, however, the Ministry of Culture did not approve its inclusion as a listed building.

Source: CTK
Image: neoVisual and Golden Prague Hotel managed by Fairmont