PRAGUE GREENLIGHTS HISTORIC REZONING AT ŽIŽKOV FREIGHT STATION
After nearly two decades of planning and negotiation, Prague has taken a historic step towards reshaping its urban landscape. City councillors have officially approved the largest zoning plan change in the city’s history, unlocking the long-anticipated redevelopment of the former Žižkov Freight Station into a vibrant residential district. The decision paves the way for the transformation of a 23-hectare brownfield site, dormant for almost thirty years, into a new urban neighborhood. The area will eventually accommodate up to 20,000 new homes, significantly easing pressure on Prague’s strained housing market. The rezoning follows years of complex negotiations between the city and a range of investors. A crucial aspect of the agreements involved developers signing contribution deals, committing them to fund public infrastructure and amenities proportionate to the scale of their individual projects. Collectively, these agreements have already secured approximately CZK 1.4 billion for the city, marking a major financial boost for Prague’s public investment plans.
Sekyra Group Leads Ambitious Development Plans
Among the major players poised to shape the new district is the Sekyra Group, led by billionaire Luděk Sekyra. Through its Žižkov City project, the developer plans to build around 3,000 apartments on land located just south of the station’s historic main building. According to CEO Leoš Anderle, the total investment in the project is expected to reach CZK 25 billion, on par with the firm’s other major developments in Smíchov and Rohanský ostrov. “We want to build traditional city blocks like we did in Smíchov. We’ve launched an architectural competition, and the process will mirror Smíchov City,” said Anderle. Groundbreaking for the project could begin within three years, with the entire build-out anticipated to take around fifteen years. In addition to standard residential units, the development will include a portion dedicated to rental housing, addressing a diverse range of market needs.
Penta Real Estate and Finep Expand Residential Projects
Penta Real Estate is another key developer moving forward with plans in the newly rezoned area. Its Rezidence nádraží Žižkov project is designed by the Dutch firm Benthem Crouwel Architects in collaboration with Prague’s RA15 studio. The first phase will deliver 271 apartments, with a zoning permit already underway. In total, Penta plans to invest CZK 3 billion into the broader project area, with future phases to be shaped significantly by the newly passed zoning framework. Finep, another prominent name in Prague’s real estate landscape, also stands to benefit from the rezoning. The company aims to deliver approximately 1,200 new apartments in the area, further expanding the availability of housing in one of the city’s most promising redevelopment zones.
Central Group’s Parková čtvrť Sets the Pace
Meanwhile, Central Group, owned by billionaire Dušan Kunovský, is ahead of the curve. Its Parková čtvrť project has already seen the completion and near sell-out of its first block of 389 apartments. Another 372 units are currently under construction, with completion expected by autumn 2026. Unlike other developments, Central Group’s project was exempt from the temporary construction freeze that delayed much of the area’s progress, meaning the new zoning decision primarily affects only its final two residential blocks. Overall, Central Group envisions a broad residential offering, planning to deliver around 2,500 apartments across seven semi-closed blocks. In addition to housing, the development will feature a kindergarten, a public promenade, and a 1.5-hectare park complete with greenery and water features, contributing to the broader community infrastructure that city officials have emphasized throughout the negotiation process.
A New Urban Vision for Prague’s Future
The transformation of the Žižkov Freight Station marks one of the most ambitious urban renewal projects in Prague’s history. By revitalizing a long-dormant industrial site, the city is not only addressing its critical need for new housing but also setting a model for future developments where public and private interests are carefully balanced. With multiple investors committed and construction timelines beginning to take shape, the former freight station is poised to evolve into a dynamic, modern neighborhood, reshaping the urban fabric of Prague for decades to come.
Sources: https://praguemorning.cz/
