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Smíchov: A magnet for developers
Written by: David Friday
Photo: archive

Once a dusty intersection with some abandoned buildings, parking lots, and a few market stalls, Anděl has become the hub of activity for the Smíchov district. Since the early '90s, its development has refused to abate.

Kavalírka

DESPITE Smíchov's industrial character as it emerged from Communism, including a functioning brewery and railway station, its proximity to the center, transportation connections and border with Malá Strana, including a very green hillside, began to prevail.
" Residential became popular due to its being so close to Malá Strana at a fraction of the price," says Frank Hanečák, director of Hanex. Aside from that, he adds, basic infrastructure was a draw as were all the schools. "We placed a lot of executives from France near the French school, for example."
While residential development continues, it was for some time arguably in the shadow of the commerial boom around Anděl. "Hotel Mövenpick was obviously one of the earliest commercial projects. I think they had guts to open up in an area that was just starting to develop," says Hanečák. "After that it just snowballed."
The municipality of Prague 5 supported the area's redevelopment, referring to it as "The New Face of Anděl". But it was the developers that bore most of the early risk, seeing in the area great potential.
ING, UBM, Carrefour, and Karimpol were the prime shakers. ING's Zlatý Anděl was the first office building completed, followed by Carrefour's Nový Smíchov. The largest of the projects, still going up in phases on a 25,000 m2 plot of land nearby is UBM's Anděl City. According to UBM director Margund Schuh, office space has leased easily, attracting companies such as Pfizer in the project's second phase and Cetelem in the current third phase. The company also expects similar success for the project's residential components.

Smíchov Gate

 

BUILDING OF THE MONTH The growing business/industrial area near the river in Modřany is host to several developments, among them, the freshly completed building DVAN, by 2N Communications. THE BUILDING offers 2,420 m2 of space, with an architecture and location that predetermines it for a broader use than mere offices. "It was the idea from the design stage to create office space for a group of companies oriented the same way, for example telecommunications," says Tomáš Fencl, leasing agent at Colliers. "It was made in accordance with regulations for light industrial use as well; such as floor weight, lift strength, and door and corridors widths," he adds. That means, among other things, 500 kg-per-m2 load-bearing capacity per floor, vibration resistance, guaranteed three-meter ceiling heights even after soffits, as well as full access for disabled persons, air conditioning, ISDN and 32 MB internet connection. Reception is provided as required, and the top floor offers both a dining hall and a 160-person training/presentation hall. Views of the area's foliage-laden hillsides and over to the river are good from many floors, but especially so from a glazed terrace on the rooftop. Parking for 63 cars is provided. The building is not far from the Barrandov bridge; links to the main city arteries and connections out of the city are good. The building is about 15 minutes from the city center by tram or bus.

Photo: archiv 10 questions Robert Neale managing director, Portland Trust What was your first job? »An assistant to the senior partner of a company of chartered surveyors at age 18, where I stayed for six years while qualifying on a part-time degree course. What made you consider Prague as a new place to live? »I was offered a job to set up Ryden in September 1991. Did you imagine 15 years ago that you would be doing business in Prague? »No, but I would have said yes if the question had been 14 years. What do you most like in the business? »Many things, but probably the satisfaction from both an aesthetic and commercial perspective on completion of a development. What do you least like? »Waiting for planning permits. What is the most difficult deal or project you have ever worked on? »They all are! But especially Opera Center, in Bucharest - trying to build an institutional building for PwC and ING in 1999. "Limited funding", very few contractors, Romania! What do you think will be the next place/area/segment to develop in Prague? »From what I see, nearly every district is set to be the new development area: Karlín, Holešovice,Smíchov, etc. Would you describe yourself as a workaholic? »No, more like an alcoholic. What is your favourite restaurant? »In Prague, probably Kampa Park, with a river view. What do you think most people don't know about you? »That I am President of the "Miserable Yorkshiremans' Association" in Prague.