The reconstruction of the former InterContinental hotel in Prague has moved into the next phase, and the investor behind the project will be required to provide detailed information to the public about the quality of the air in the area and the safety measures being taken. The building is located next to a school and residential buildings, and concerns have been raised about the potential impact of the renovation work on air quality and safety.
The investor has agreed with the representatives of Prague 1 and the management of the school on Curie Square to provide detailed information to the public, including parents and the school community. This agreement follows months of negotiations and feedback from parents about the ongoing reconstruction. The agreement details are available on the website of the first municipal district.
Safety concerns and air pollution are particularly relevant to the planned renovation work on the separate building adjacent to the school and residential buildings. Preparatory work is already underway in the area, and the school’s playground has been closed for 29 days since April 5 to ensure the safe execution of the project.
The investor will provide regular reports to ensure maximum control of the situation and inform parents and the school. The school’s director, Tereza Martínková, said they would adjust the schedule of extracurricular activities based on the reports to minimize disruption to the school community while ensuring the safety of students and staff.
The building is partially intended for reconstruction and partially for removal. After consulting with the school and the municipal district, the construction company, Metrostav, conducted a technical survey revealing that the parts designated for removal contained no harmful substances. Asbestos-containing building material was found only in an isolated part of the building that will not be affected by the work. The reduction will occur only after the structure’s new role is erected.
During the removal of the building part, emphasis will be placed on limiting dust, and a protective net will be placed on the scaffolding to separate the building from the school. The demolition will also proceed by floors towards the inside of the building. The remaining part of the building will be reinforced with a steel structure.
Finally, regular air quality measurements, particularly of dust particles above the limit, will be taken to ensure that safety measures work. A particular sensor has been placed in the area to monitor the results online directly on the school’s website.