On Tuesday, a ceremonial groundbreaking marked the start of the extensive renovation of the former waterworks area in Vinohrady, where the new Hydropolis Education Centre will be established. The total cost of the project is estimated at approximately 450 million CZK. The centre will benefit the public, schools, and other institutions.
The idea for the project arose during the much-needed renovation of the historic water tower (Vinohradská vodárenská věž), which was built in 1882 according to the designs of Antonín Turek. The tower was a crucial part of the municipal water supply system of Královské Vinohrady, which included the waterworks in Podolí, underground reservoirs, a pump station, and the water tower on Korunní Street. The underground water reservoir was completed in 1891 and remained in use until the 1970s. Since 1991, the site has been protected as a technical cultural monument.
“Prague constantly surprises with new and innovative projects, some of which can even be shocking. The renovation of the former waterworks area in Vinohrady and the creation of the Hydropolis Education Centre will be another example of how unique this city is,” said Bohuslav Svoboda, Mayor of Prague.
The project is being implemented by the Prague Waterworks and Sewerage Company (PVS) in collaboration with Prague Waterworks and Sewage (PVK) and the Veolia Group. The total cost amounts to 350 million CZK, with 100 million CZK allocated to the development and implementation of the exhibition.
“The renovation of the tower and other buildings had been overdue for years due to their poor condition. Thanks to an agreement signed by the involved partners in September 2020, we were able to expand the project to include a unique exhibition and modern educational spaces. This will allow us to create an innovative education centre,” said Pavel Válek, Chairman and CEO of PVS.
The seven-storey former water tower will house unique exhibition spaces with a focus on educational activities. A new observation deck, developed in collaboration with conservation experts, will be created at the top of the tower, offering a breathtaking view of Prague. Additionally, a café will be set up to serve as a meeting point for visitors.
For more information about the project, visit the website www.hydropolis.cz.
