In a strategic move to address the deteriorating condition of its current premises, the Prague 10 Municipal Office has commenced preparations for a comprehensive relocation to a temporary site in Strašnice. The relocation, scheduled to commence at the end of August, comes as a response to the inadequate state of the current building on Vršovická Street, which dates back to the 1970s and has been plagued by insufficient funds for essential renovations. While the future of the existing building remains under deliberation, Prague 10 management is steadfast in its commitment to ensuring seamless operations throughout the transition period.

A spokesperson for the office has confirmed that preliminary relocation tasks, including document archiving, disposal, initial moving operations, and property inventory, are already underway. The phased transition will see the chief architect’s office as the pioneer department to relocate to the new Vinohradská Street site, strategically situated near the Vinice tram stop. The subsequent relocation of other departments will follow, adhering rigorously to the pre-approved transition plan.

In a leasing arrangement with Carpet Invest, the municipal district has secured the temporary space for CZK 2.9 million monthly, excluding VAT, accompanied by an approximate deposit of CZK 1 million per month. The leasing agreement spans four years, with six optional six-month extensions. Simultaneously, the municipal district faces the intricate challenge of charting the course for the future of its existing city hall, which necessitates significant renovation endeavors.

Extensive groundwork for the city hall reconstruction project has been underway for several years, with preliminary estimates pegging the expenses at nearly CZK 1 billion. However, recent developments, including the global pandemic, the ensuing conflict in Ukraine, and escalating construction costs, have caused the project’s budget to exceed initial projections. The current administration of Prague 10 is actively evaluating various funding avenues, including the possibility of divesting the building and subsequently leasing it back from a new owner.

As the transition unfolds, the municipal district is also demonstrating its commitment to the community by offering a specially priced lunch menu for seniors, priced at less than CZK 80. This initiative reflects the district’s dedication to supporting senior citizens facing financial hardships during these challenging times.

The history of deliberations regarding the municipality’s inadequate office infrastructure spans various management tenures. Previous proposals, including constructing a new city hall at an estimated cost of CZK 775 million, were met with criticism and subsequently abandoned. While alternative options such as repurposing an unused school in Strašnice were entertained, the previous administration opted for a city hall reconstruction approach.

As Prague 10 Municipal Office gears up for its impending move, the intricate dance between preserving operational continuity and adapting to changing infrastructure needs promises to shape the district’s future trajectory.

Article by Prague Forum