An official event was held last week on Rašínovo embankment to mark the completion of a riverbank refurbishment project. Newly refurbished cells in the embankment wall were officially handed over to Prague representatives including Mayor Zdeněk Hřib and City Councillor Jan Chabr who is responsible for municipal property management. Other attendees included architect Petr Janda, representatives of TRADE CENTRE PRAHA, which operates the embankments, and major contractors that were involved in the project. New tenants were also introduced at the event. They will start moving in the refurbished cells in the coming weeks and launch their activities. On the occasion, completely refurbished cell No. 6 on Rašínovo embankment was unveiled.

“The refurbishment of the embankments has been one of Prague’s largest investments into public space improvement over the past few decades. I am happy that we have been able to materialize the idea that came up ten years ago. The refurbished cells will bring life to the embankments all year round, not just in spring and summer as has been the case until now,” says Prague Mayor Zdeněk Hřib.

“A total of twenty cells have been refurbished, out of which three will serve as toilets, three as art galleries, two as workshops, three as art studios, one as Prague Municipal Library outlet, and the rest as cafés. The refurbishment of the embankments has cost nearly 174 million crowns,” adds Jan Chabr, Prague City Councillor who is responsible for municipal property management.

The main idea behind the refurbishment of the cells was the easiest and cleanest possible connection between the inner and outer space. The most visible new element is a circular glass window/pivot door fitted to the vaulted entrance of each cell. Architect Petr Janda originally intended to suspend the windows either on horizontal or vertical pivots but eventually decided for a diagonal axis. This solution makes opening easier and provides maximum safety. The cells are fitted with the latest technology, including a hidden HVAC system with heat recovery, floor heating, and infrared heat panels. This applies to the cells along Hořejší embankment, too.

Once the project is completed, there will be 20 cells ready for customers and visitors. Six original tenants will return to 11 of the cells. On Rašínovo embankment, they include, for instance, Bajkazyl, Zyos, Prague Steamboat Company, and Avoid Gallery, which will occupy two cells. On Hořejší embankment, some of the returning tenants include Alja s.r.o. and Calm Down Production.

Seven cells are ready for new tenants. Five have been already rented, with each tenant occupying one. On Rašínovo embankment, it will be Tiskárna na vzduchu print shop. On Hořejší embankment, new tenants include Kavárna Cibulák café, a DIY shop, Šafy Production, and Prague Municipal Library. Two cells are waiting for bids from potential tenants and two will serve as public toilets.