Opatov metro area to be renovated with new square and buildings

The Prague 11 administration presented a study for the renovation of the surroundings of the Opatov metro station, which has been largely unchanged since the station opened in November 1980. The renovations will include a park and a square with multipurpose buildings for shops, eateries, offices and flats.

“We are presenting
the results of a study that began its journey in July 2017. We
realize that the area has been neglected for several decades, and we
are bringing the site into the 21st century. Together with
investors, we are looking for a solution,” Prague 11 Mayor Jiří
Dohnal (Pirates) said, according to daily Pražský deník.

Construction could
start in three years from Litochlebské náměstí to the south. The
main area of 70 hectares could be renovated within eight years. The
remaining part at Na Jelenách won’t be completed before 10 years
and requires a change to the city zoning plan.

The city and
district have been working with investment group Finep. “The unique
project brings Opatov and the wider neighborhood an opportunity for
long-awaited development and the creation of a true central square
with everything that belongs to it,” Finep CEO Tomáš Pardubický
said, adding that the project reflects the needs and wishes of the
city and the district.

The plan calls for
425 new trees and a creek with a waterfall. Some 414 flats should be
built, in addition to offices. The square at Opatov will have two
floors shops, restaurants and cafes. There should also be a theater,
an open-air cinema, an ice rink in winter, and farmers markets.

“It will be up to
the investor to decide, but Finep’s vision is to have smaller shops
to make up for what is missing in the nearby Chodov shopping center,”
Prague 11 Deputy Mayor Martin Sedeke (ODS) said. The Westfield
Chodov, one of the country’s largets, is one metro stop away.

The square will be
next to a transport hub for metro and buses, and in the future it
will also include trams. Renovation of the Opatov metro station,
costing 250 million CZK, was started by the Prague Public Transit
Company at the end of last year and should be completed in three
years.

Metro and bus
stations will be connected. “A winding snail-like structure will be
removed and instead an elevator will be created. There will be
wheelchair access from all sides,” Prague 11 Councilor Martin Duška
(Pirates) said. A park and ride lot and connections to cycle paths
will be created.

Names for the new
streets and square have not been decided, but will likely all have a
common theme.