Vysočany at a Crossroads: A Former Industrial District Is Turning Into a Modern Part of Prague 9
Vysočany has been one of the fastest-changing locations in Prague in recent years. An area that served industry for decades and remained full of brownfield sites in recent decades is gradually turning into a fully-fledged urban district – with housing, offices, shops and public space. For companies looking for office space, it could be an interesting alternative to traditional locations closer to the centre.
Why Vysočany Is Changing Now
The area's development is driven by a combination of good transport accessibility, proximity to the centre, and extensive plots left behind by former industrial sites, which developers are now gradually revitalising. New residential and commercial projects are emerging in several places at once, set to significantly transform the character of the whole of Prague 9 in the coming years.
The Biggest Projects in the Area
Čtvrť Emila Kolbena by Skanska is being built on the site of a former ČKD brownfield. Across five phases, the project is expected to deliver around 5,000 apartments on roughly 51,000 sqm over approximately ten years. The current phase, with nearly 300 apartments, is due for completion by 2029, and the project also includes energy-saving features such as heat recovery from wastewater and rainwater use.
The Pragovka complex, historically linked to car manufacturing, is being rebuilt by developer Mount Capital into a mixed-use district. The first renovated building, E Factory, already houses studios, galleries and office space – further phases are set to combine housing with retail and commercial functions. Plans also include a new square and a city park, with investment in the whole complex running into billions of Czech crowns.
Kolbenova Park by CPI will bring around 1,000 new apartments near a metro station, set within greenery, along with cafés, shops and other services on the ground floor.
At AFI City, where apartments, offices and public spaces have already been completed, a new kindergarten is now under construction, due for completion in autumn next year.
On the site of the former Odkolek bakery complex, Metrostav is building Bakers Court – four residential buildings with nearly 250 apartments and above-standard amenities (reception, fitness, kindergarten).
Towards Harfa and the O2 Arena
On the other side of the Rokytka stream, Central Group is developing the mixed-use Harfa Living – more than 700 apartments across four buildings, complemented by shops and services on the ground floor.
Near the O2 Arena, developer Kaprain is preparing a new urban district on the site of the former Howden ČKD plant, covering roughly 50,000 sqm, including a new square.
The former Sazka administrative building is also undergoing a notable transformation, with KKCG renovating it while emphasising the preservation of the original structure. The new administrative centre is due to be completed by the end of 2028 – another sign that Vysočany isn't just about housing.
Thousands More Apartments
Slovak developer Corwin is building the Dvory Vysočany project between the railway line and K Žižkovu street – over 1,000 apartments and extensive public spaces, with construction already underway and expected to take eight to ten years.
The City of Prague is also planning a renovation and the construction of more than 150 municipal apartments in the former Skloněná complex, alongside the revitalisation of public space.
What This Means for Companies Looking for Office Space
Vysočany is gradually shedding its purely residential or industrial character. Projects like Pragovka and the renovated Sazka building show that commercial and office functions are returning to the district – alongside new housing, civic amenities and steadily improving transport links. For companies considering an alternative to pricier locations closer to the centre, this could be an area offering an attractive combination of accessibility, modern space and growing infrastructure in the years ahead.
Follow Vysočany's Development Too
If you're looking for office space in Prague 9 or other up-and-coming locations, you'll find current listings at NajdiKanceláře.cz all in one place.
Inspired by an e15.cz article.