Urban Regeneration in Prague: Vršovice and the Koh-i-noor Project as a Symbol of Change
Prague and a New Season of Urban Regeneration
In recent years, Prague has been undergoing a profound urban transformation, driven by the regeneration of former industrial areas and disused complexes located in central and semi-central districts. Spaces that were once productive and are now unused or degraded are gradually being converted into new residential, cultural, and social hubs. This process responds to a dual need: on the one hand, to increase the supply of housing, and on the other, to restore urban quality to strategically important areas of the city. The regeneration of brownfield sites has thus become one of the main engines of urban development, with projects aimed at integrating historical memory, new services, and accessible public spaces.
Vršovice at the Heart of Urban Change
The Vršovice district is one of the clearest examples of this trend. Historically characterized by a strong industrial presence, it is now the focus of a series of projects that are redefining its identity. The redevelopment of the Koh-i-noor site fits squarely within this context: an intervention covering nearly two hectares that will lead to the construction of more than 600 apartments, some of which will be available for rent. The project, which has recently received all the necessary permits, will be developed in at least two phases and is expected to be completed by 2030. The goal is not only to build new housing, but also to create a more livable district, with services, meeting places, and mixed-use functions.
From Industrial Heritage to New Living Spaces
A common feature of urban regeneration projects in Prague is the focus on existing industrial heritage. In the case of Koh-i-noor, two buildings of historical and cultural interest will be renovated and expanded with new constructions. Among them is the former Waldes factory, which remained abandoned for many years and was only partially used as storage space, a second-hand bookshop, and creative studios. The recovery of these structures helps preserve the historical identity of the site, transforming it into an added value for the new development. Regeneration does not erase the industrial past, but integrates it into a contemporary urban context.
A Citywide Phenomenon Affecting Multiple Districts
Vršovice is not an isolated case. Across several districts of the Czech capital, former industrial complexes are being given a second life. From the transformation of old plants into new residential blocks to the reuse of historic buildings with mixed functions, regeneration has become a preferred alternative to urban sprawl. Other projects in the city include the preservation of symbolic elements such as chimneys and original structures, reinterpreted as urban landmarks or public spaces. This strategy allows the city to densify while improving the quality of the built environment and strengthening connections between neighborhoods.
Regeneration as an Urban Development Strategy
The Koh-i-noor project and similar initiatives show how district regeneration has become a strategic lever for Prague’s development. Developers are increasingly focusing on complex projects that combine housing, services, green areas, and places for social interaction. In this context, the transformation of brownfield sites represents not only a real estate opportunity, but also a process of urban regeneration capable of shaping residents’ everyday lives. The new Prague that is emerging looks to the future without denying its industrial past, making regeneration the cornerstone of its urban growth.
Source: archiv.hn.cz
