Prague is embarking on the preparatory phase of a major project to modernise and develop one of the Czech Republic’s most important transport hubs: the main railway station in the capital. This initiative forms a cornerstone of the city’s long-term strategy to upgrade its railway infrastructure and revitalise the central area, which borders Nové Město, Vinohrady, and Žižkov.
“The city plays a key role in planning the future of the Prague Central Station area and actively shapes its development. The goal is to transform the station into not only the largest transport hub in Prague and the Czech Republic but also a neighbourhood that meets the needs of residents, commuters, and visitors alike,” said Petr Hlaváček, Deputy Mayor for Territorial and Strategic Development.
To support this vision, a preparatory working group has been established under Hlaváček’s initiative. This group’s mission is to define the city’s priorities, identify key stakeholders, and collaborate on creating an effective planning process. The plan will align Prague’s strategic objectives with the railway administration’s infrastructure goals while fostering cooperation with private organisations.
The integrated planning process will address both transport and urban development challenges for the entire Central Station area. Numerous large-scale projects converge here, including the construction of a new tunnel for rail lines, the development of stations for underground line D, and the extension and modernisation of the station platforms. Other key projects include the redesign of the station concourse and the construction of the Muzeum-Bolzanova tram line section, unveiled earlier this year. Coordinating these initiatives across different phases of implementation will require close cooperation between the city, the railway administration, and other stakeholders.
Prague also plans to engage international experts and draw inspiration from similar projects, such as the Florenc 21 urban development competition. “Urbanising such a strategic area is a long-term process. For example, the revitalisation of King’s Cross in London or Vienna Central Station took up to three decades. Careful preparation is essential for success,” said Kateřina Čechová, a researcher specialising in the urbanisation of railway station areas at the Czech Technical University (ČVUT).
The planning process for the main station is divided into three phases. Phase 0, currently underway, focuses on detailed research, defining key objectives, and determining the institutional structure of the process. This phase will also identify the most suitable planning methods, such as urban and architectural competitions, competitive dialogues, or test planning.
In the first phase, stakeholders will work together to achieve consensus on the primary parameters for the site’s development, which will form the basis for phase 2. The ultimate aim of phase 2 is to finalise an integrated transport and urban development solution for the area.
The City of Prague recognises the main railway station’s regional and international significance. Once high-speed rail connections are established, the station will become a vital link to various parts of Bohemia, Moravia, and Europe, unlocking significant potential for regional growth.
The findings from phase 0, including an overview of the entire process, are expected to be presented to the public in 2025.
