The Prague administration will have an analysis of the future use of the Karlín Barracks prepared. The document will be prepared by the Prague Development Company (PDS), a city organisation, and will suggest what could be in the space. According to the document, which was approved by the city council today, the monument could be used for educational and social activities. Housing for students could also be created. The cultural and social centre, which is currently housed in the barracks, would be preserved.
The barracks were acquired by the city as part of a nearly two-billion-dollar property swap with the state agreed by both parties. The building dates from the 19th century and is in poor condition.
“The Karlín Barracks is a strategic building for the city, both in its location and in the opportunities it can provide for the public. In order to make a responsible decision about the future use of this building, it is necessary to examine which types of operations the building is suitable for, both in terms of its layout and the current technical and operational condition of the building and the modifications that the city’s conservationists will allow,” said Councillor Adam Zábranský (Pirates).
According to the document, up to a third of the space in the complex could be leased to private operators after the revitalisation. The other third would be leased out based on the city’s decision and its preferred activities, while the remaining areas would be used to develop infrastructure for education.
The barracks could also be used to create urban apartments for university students. Municipal offices could also be built there, as well as a science and technology park or a centre for innovative companies. So-called shared spaces are also envisaged.
According to the document, the cultural and social centre, which has been operating in the barracks since 2017, will remain in the barracks in the future. The centre uses the courtyard or outdoor courtyard of the courtyard. “In the short term, the Prague City Hall does not plan to discontinue the current operation in any case,” it was announced.
The exchange of the property, worth about CZK 1.7 billion, was negotiated between the city council and the state for several years and finally approved by councillors last April. The city will get the barracks in Karlín and the building in Hybernská Street in exchange for most of the Bulovka University Hospital.
The historic building of the Karlin barracks dates back to the 19th century and was used for military purposes during the Czechoslovak and Czech Republic periods. The building has been listed since 1958. In the past, the state has repeatedly tried to sell the premises, but without success.
Source: CTK
