Kasárna Karlín is set for a nearly CZK 2 billion renovation. Some of the space could also be used as offices

Prague is preparing to renovate the Kasárna Karlín building, with the renovation expected to cost approximately CZK 1.9 billion including VAT. The investment will be financed by the city through its municipal company Trade Centre Praha (TCP), which manages the property. On Monday, Prague councillors approved the launch of a tender for the preparation of design documentation, which is expected to cost approximately CZK 120 million.

Shops, student accommodation and studio offices

Once the renovation is complete, the building should serve several purposes at once – in addition to retail space on the ground floor, it is expected to accommodate student housing, facilities for artistic and cultural activities and potentially a science and technology park. Councillor for Property Adam Zábranský said that conventional apartments are not an option due to the building’s heritage protection status and its existing layout (narrow rooms along wide corridors). Instead, the plan is to provide mainly studio-style office space, where the more challenging layout is less restrictive. Charles University has already expressed interest in operating the student accommodation.

Deputy Mayor for Spatial Development Petr Hlaváček added that the renovation will also involve creating new passageways connecting the building with its surroundings and linking up with the arcades around the retail space on the ground floor – the building currently has only one entrance.

Timeline: completion by 2032

The first phase of the renovation will focus on renewing the main technical systems (water, electricity and waste infrastructure) and the retail space on the ground floor, with the upper floors to follow later. The tender for the project designer is expected to conclude in January 2027, followed by the preparation of the building permit documentation and the selection of the construction contractor – according to the schedule, by 2028. The renovation itself should be completed by 2032.

Prague acquired the building in 2023 from the Office for Government Representation in Property Affairs. The Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague is temporarily based there, while the courtyard of the complex is used by the Kasárna Karlín Cultural Centre.

Why this may be of interest to companies looking for offices

The exact form of the future space has not yet been finalised – the city will decide on its use gradually, so that the units remain as flexible as possible. However, if the plans for studio-style office space are confirmed, the Karlín location, which has long been sought after thanks to its low vacancy rate and good accessibility, could gain another attractive offering – albeit one that will not be delivered for several years.

Source: e15.cz