Prague’s Náplavka Revitalization Completed

On Friday the last pivoting glass door at Prague’s Náplavka has been installed. The general revitalization is gradually coming to an end. The repair cost almost 174 million crowns and in addition to public toilets, people will see new cafes, bars, and studios, which will operate all year round.

Cubicle number 5 on Rašínovo nábřeží will be operated by Tiskárna na vzduchu, which will create an innovative café-bar here. Cubicle number 12 at Hořejší nábřeží was acquired by Šafy production, which will create a studio there. The remaining two cubicles on Hořejší nábřeží will be run by people who will create another café and studio with a modern craft workshop.

Prague City Hall received 53 bids after a public call but for cubicles 1 and 2, a new selection contest will be announced, as there was only one candidate who already received another cubicle with the same concept.

In addition to the winners of the selection procedure, the current operators, such as Bajkazyl, Avoid Gallery and Nábřeží Gallery, will return to the cubicles, and a municipal library branch intended as a community cubicle with interesting content extending the library’s common services will also go to Hořejší nábřeží due to a loan agreement,” Jiří Sulženko from city firm Trade Center Praha said.

“These are the largest glass doors of its kind in the world. They will open automatically, allowing people in wheelchairs to enter with little assistance,” said Jan Chabr, Prague City Councilor for Property.

The production of the glass doors took three months. The shipping from Thailand and then along the Elbe and Vltava rivers via Hamburg was extremely demanding. The installation was carried out using a crane and unique technology of suction cups.

“This year, the revitalization of Náplavka will continue, and that will be good news. Prague’s waterfronts are places that should mainly serve the public, and people should not just walk through empty embankments. I will do even more to encourage Prague to promote various events such as farmers markets or food trucks,” said Chabr. “We will not only revive the center, but we will offer the Praguers more opportunity to spend time in a pleasant environment on the banks of the Vltava river,” he added.

After the 2019 season, the connection points of electricity, water, and waste will be added to Rašínovo nábřeží as well.

Earlier this year, new rules were announced for Rašínovo nábřeží, limiting the number of events and setting noise rules. Every Sunday is a quiet day. Musical productions will be banned on Mondays and Tuesdays after 8 pm. Large events over 5,000 people will be allowed only once a month. On other days, events should end by 10 pm.

A planned pool set into the river, though, is on hold. City Hall says it is not a priority. The possible construction of the pool must be preceded by discussions with the public, professionals with the relevant state administration bodies before City Hall makes a decision.

Foto: Petr Janda