The cultural centre on the site of the former Karlín Barracks will now also be able to use the interior spaces again. Since this spring, operations had only been possible to a limited extent. The Prague Centre Association has now received the retrospective building permit for the renovated buildings.
The cultural centre on the site of the former Karlín Barracks will in future also be able to use the previously closed interior spaces. Since this spring, operations had only been possible to a limited extent.
The building authority of Prague 8 district has granted a retrospective building permit for the social and cultural centre operated by the Prague Centre Association. The decision concerns in particular the smaller buildings in the courtyard, which the association had renovated in recent years. The authority announced the decision on the official Prague 8 website.
The centre has existed since 2017. The association had renovated smaller buildings for a concert hall, a bar, and a café, but initially did not have permission to operate. The building authority therefore ordered the closure of the facilities in June of last year. The main reason was that the use did not comply with the city’s development plan. In the meantime, the city of Prague took over the site from the state at the beginning of last year and adjusted the regulations.
Since the end of May this year, the centre has resumed operations without using the buildings. In parallel, the operators worked on legalising the structures – they now have the permit.
The historic building of the Karlín Barracks dates back to the 19th century and was used for military purposes during the time of Czechoslovakia and later the Czech Republic. It has been a listed building since 1958. In the long term, the city plans a comprehensive reconstruction of the historic barracks complex.
