After seventeen years of planning, Prague has approved the largest zoning plan change in its history, unlocking the long-awaited transformation of the former Žižkov Freight Station into a major residential district.

At Thursday’s meeting, city councillors voted to rezone the 23-hectare brownfield, paving the way for construction of up to 20,000 new homes.

The area, dormant since it ceased operation nearly three decades ago, is finally set for redevelopment.

This change follows lengthy negotiations between the city and multiple investors. A key condition was the signing of contribution agreements, where developers commit to financing public infrastructure and amenities based on the size of their projects. So far, deals have been struck with all major players, securing roughly CZK 1.4 billion for the city.

Among the most prominent investors is Sekyra Group, owned by billionaire Luděk Sekyra, which plans to build 3,000 apartments across three phases under the Žižkov City project, just south of the old station building.

According to CEO Leoš Anderle, the project’s investment volume will be around CZK 25 billion, matching the scale of the developer’s other major ventures in Smíchov and Rohanský ostrov.

“We want to build traditional city blocks like we did in Smíchov. We’ve launched an architectural competition, and the process will mirror Smíchov City,” said Anderle.

Groundbreaking could begin within three years, with the full project expected to be completed in fifteen. The development will primarily feature residential housing, including a portion allocated to rental apartments.

Another developer moving forward is Penta Real Estate, which is planning the Rezidence nádraží Žižkov project.

Designed by Benthem Crouwel Architects (Netherlands) and RA15 (Prague), the development will begin with 271 units in its first phase, for which a zoning permit is already in progress. The recent zoning decision will impact the project’s future phases. In total, Penta plans to invest CZK 3 billion into the area.

Finep, another major player, will also benefit from the rezoning. It intends to build approximately 1,200 apartments.

Meanwhile, Central Group, owned by billionaire Dušan Kunovský, is already ahead. The company has completed and nearly sold out the first block of 389 apartments under its Parková čtvrť project.

Another 372 units are under construction, set to finish by autumn 2026. Central Group’s development was exempt from the construction freeze and is least affected by the zoning change, which only applies to its final two residential blocks.

Overall, Central Group plans to deliver 2,500 apartments across seven semi-closed blocks, along with a kindergarten, a public promenade, and a 1.5-hectare park featuring greenery and water elements.

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