Thirteen years after demolition, the vacant lot where Pilsen’s House of Culture once stood remains an urban scar in the city center. This gaping void, often referred to as “the hole after the cultural house,” was scheduled for transformation this year into a modern multifunctional district worth billions of crowns, developed by Ameside company.
However, the necessary permits remain elusive due to obstructions from environmental activists. The most critical hurdle—zoning approval—is back in play after months of suspension for documentation supplements. The deadline for submitting comments is the end of July, with a decision possible by late August if no objections arise.
The environmental organization Children of Earth has consistently raised objections throughout the process. Their chairman, Miroslav Patrik, stated they would review the new documentation and potentially submit their response by early August, focusing particularly on tree removal permits and compliance with the urban plan.
This represents the second attempt at securing zoning approval. The first, granted in September 2022 by Pilsen’s city hall, was promptly challenged by activists. After a series of appeals and court proceedings, the Ministry of Regional Development ultimately revoked the original zoning decision.
The ambitious development would transform three hectares between American Avenue, the Radbusa riverbank, and Ukrainian Street. Plans include demolishing the former Prior department store to make way for several blocks arranged around streets and small squares, featuring a 40-meter-high building at the beginning of American Avenue. The project would create over 130,000 square meters of floor space, with nearly half dedicated to retail and services, and the remainder to offices, apartments, and civic amenities—all at an estimated cost of eight billion crowns.