Transforming Prague: Florenc Set for a Stunning Billion-Crown Revamp!
A significant change is on the horizon for Florenc, one of the crucial transportation centers in Prague.
This project has drawn extraordinary international attention, with a remarkable 157 architectural firms from 33 different countries vying to create designs for four new mixed-use residential and commercial blocks. The announcement of the winning designs is anticipated to take place this autumn.
The focus of this endeavor is a strategically important site located to the west of the Florenc bus station, a vital transit location in Prague. The area is surrounded by a major thoroughfare, a railway line situated to the south, and Na Florenci Street to the west.
The current design competition builds on an earlier urban planning contest that laid the foundation for the street layouts, construction blocks, and building height regulations.
Four Architectural Competitions for Four Development Blocks
At the close of last year, Penta Group initiated four concurrent architectural competitions for the proposed blocks. The development will focus mainly on residential units, while also incorporating retail spaces, office environments, and possibly a hotel.
David Musil, head of Penta Real Estate, noted, “This new neighborhood will connect the vibrant core of Prague—filled with business opportunities and tourism—with the Karlín district, recognized for its quality of life and work-life balance.” City officials, along with representatives from Prague 1 and Prague 8, have also expressed their appreciation for the investor’s vision.
An expert jury, led by the German architect Stefan Behnisch, has chosen eight teams for each competition to take part in a series of three workshops.
These workshops will engage jury members, city officials, and other stakeholders to further refine the designs. In total, 25 studios are in the running, with some entering more than one category. The final results for each of the four competitions are expected in October.
Penta’s Growing Influence in Prague Urban Development
The Florenc project is closely linked to Penta’s initiatives around Masaryk Station, where the firm has constructed large office complexes. This has garnered some criticism from local civic groups and opposing politicians in Prague 1. Furthermore, Penta is involved in CR-City, a collaborative project with Czech Railways aimed at both covering train platforms and developing new facilities at Prague’s Main Station.
According to David Musil, the entire Florenc project is projected to cost approximately 20 billion CZK (around €800 million).
The construction timeline may span five years.
