Brno Launches Transformation of Former Industrial Site into New Urban District

Brno has officially begun work on a new city district, marking a key step in the redevelopment of inner brownfield sites. On Plynárenská Street, on the former Innogy site, developer PSN has laid the foundation stone for the first phase of its Brno Jedna project.

City officials stressed that the regeneration of underused industrial areas is central to Brno’s long-term development strategy. “Revitalising inner-city zones allows Brno to grow without expanding its boundaries,” said René Černý, deputy mayor and investment councillor. Current projects such as Špitálka, Radlas and the Šmeral factory complex are also part of this wider effort.

The need for new housing is pressing. According to market data, supply lags behind natural demand, while the average price of new apartments has risen above CZK 140,000 per square metre. This makes Brno the second most expensive housing market in the country after Prague.

The first stage of Brno Jedna will consist of two residential buildings, NEON and XENON, providing 188 apartments and accommodation units ranging from one- to four-room layouts. Ground floors will include retail and commercial units, with shared spaces, greenery and a rooftop terrace intended to enhance community life.

The design, by architecture studio A8000, references the site’s industrial past with a mix of exposed concrete, glass and white plaster. “We started with the idea of a classic city block and adapted it to the specifics of the location,” said Anna Vršková of A8000.

Metrostav DIZ is the general contractor. “This is an important project for us, not least because it expands Brno’s housing offer at a time when our local office is marking 30 years in the region,” said CEO Karel Volf.

Brno Jedna’s location near the Svitavské nábřeží embankment and within walking distance of the historic centre positions it as a natural extension of the city. Plans for the wider area include housing, services, offices and public infrastructure.

The site has been in transition since the 1990s, with several high-tech buildings by the A plus studio already constructed. Vojtěch Mencl, mayor of Brno-střed, noted that their integration into the new development will help create a distinctive urban environment.

PSN, which has worked extensively on brownfield and historic redevelopment projects, is leading the investment. The company is also active in Prague, including projects at the former Koh-i-noor complex and the Transgas site. “Brno Jedna gives us the opportunity to demonstrate how modern districts can meet both current housing needs and long-term urban goals,” said PSN CEO Max Skala.

Completion of the first phase is scheduled for the end of 2027.