Prague’s Rohan Island concrete plant could be transformed into urban farm
A concrete plant on Prague’s Rohan Island, between Prague’s Karlín and Libeň districts, could soon become an urban farm. Local councillors have put forward a new plan for the site, which includes growing areas, a greenhouse and a new lookout point.
Rohan Island is one of those parts of Prague that many people pass without really noticing. Once a real island in the Vltava, it was gradually connected to the mainland as the river channels around it were filled in. Today, the area is a mix of old industrial sites, open spaces and new development.
One of those old industrial sites is the concrete plant, which has been operating here since the 1970s. It is due to close in 2028, and Prague 8 wants to transform it into an urban farm.
Architect and project co-author Michal Fišer explains what that could look like:
“The urban farm consists of several parts. There are growing areas and production areas. Then there are park areas running through the concrete plant, ideally as much as possible, so that the site stops being a barrier to access from the city to the river.”
Some of the existing structures could also take on a completely new role. The gravel conveyor, which runs about 15 metres above the ground, could become a 160-metre-long greenhouse. The concrete silos could be turned into a lookout point with views towards Holešovice and Petřín.
Fišer says the plan is to make use of what is already there, rather than simply demolishing the old industrial structures:
“We would like to preserve the basic industrial elements and give them a new meaning. Why spend a lot of money removing these things and then create a new park when we already have a head start on what could eventually be here?”
Prague 8 councillor Radomír Nepil says the new farm could be more than just a place to grow food. It could also bring people together and help the area cope with drought and rainwater:
“There will be something for everyone here. It has a community function, where people of different generations can meet. Of course, drought is also an issue. We need to think about how to manage rainwater, how to retain it and how to use it.”
Turning the concrete plant into a farm would still require major changes, including removing much of the existing concrete and redesigning the area.
The transformation is expected to cost hundreds of millions of crowns, with Prague 8 hoping to cover part of the cost with EU funding. The district now plans to present the proposal to Prague City Hall.
The proposed farm would be part of a much bigger transformation of Rohan Island. New housing and green spaces are being built in the former industrial area, including the planned Maniny Park, while access to the river is also being improved.
