Initial renovations on Prague’s Náplavka embankment to be completed this spring

Náplavka, Prague’s popular riverside embankment that draws in large crowds every summer, saw a reduction in traffic last year, and a closure of some of its most popular bars, as reconstruction took place on the embankment walls of the area.

Those first part of those renovations are expected to be completed just in time for the 2019 summer season, however, Prague City Councillor Jan Chabr told members of the press yesterday.

According to Chabr, the initial stage of planned renovations, which include reconstruction of the embankment walls and the cell areas within – expected to house cultural areas like art galleries and bars, and facilities such as restrooms – should be completed by April or May.

The cost of the initial renovations is estimated to be 225 million crowns. Total renovations of the Náplavka area, which include work on the Smíchov embankment across the river and the addition of swimming pools, was quoted at 1.8 billion crowns last year.

Chabr, however, stated that further work would be undertaken at a slower pace – and would not include all the amenities that had been previously allocated for.

“There will not be six, but only one,” the councillor said, referring to the number of swimming pools now planned to be installed in the area.

Construction on that pool, along with a new pier planned for the area, could begin later this year.

For summer 2019, however, Prague residents can look forward to a refurbished Náplavka area with some new facilities come summer time.