Greener and more accessible: Prague proposes revamp of popular Štvanice Island

Prague city councilors this week approved the “Štvanice Island Vision Manual,” a conceptual plan aimed at strengthening the island’s image and recreational role while preserving its character.

The manual addresses greenery, walking paths, activity zones and the Prague 7 island’s banks, and sets out four possible development scenarios that can be implemented separately or together. Though non-binding, it will guide decisions on administration, maintenance, lease agreements and other activities, the City of Prague explains.

“Štvanice Island is an important recreational space for three city districts, Prague 1, 7 and 8, whose character should be preserved,” said Petr Hlaváček, deputy mayor for territorial and strategic development.

The island is best known for housing one of the city’s most well-known techno music venues, Fuchs2 and Bike Jesus. It also has a tennis club with multiple courts, a skate park, and a football pitch.

“The aim is a multifunctional public space, where the approved document proposes modifying the island's banks so that people can get closer to the water,” he added. Hlaváček also said the manual would take into account trees, paths, and activity areas.

“We have already completed some tasks, such as removing unsightly containers or reducing random parking everywhere on the island. A new parking lot will be created for visitors…and only the staff of the premises and—to a limited extent—members of the tennis club will be able to access the central part of the island by car. Traveling around the island will thus be friendlier and safer for pedestrians and children.”

The City of Prague will also resurface the roads and add new public lighting. 

In terms of greenery, the manual calls for maintaining the island’s “fundamental quality” of keeping people in contact with flora and fauna. 

It proposes removing fences and integrating trees as a natural part of the island. In transport, the manual prioritizes pedestrians, cyclists, public transport and, last, cars.