Tuesday, 14 October 2025
Developer Penta Real Estate has launched preparations for an architectural competition aimed at redesigning the centre of Špindlerův Mlýn, one of the Czech Republic’s most visited mountain resorts. The company describes the initiative as a step toward creating a “vibrant” town centre with new public spaces, pedestrian zones, and modern amenities. However, despite the promises of improved infrastructure and better urban design, parts of the local community remain wary, expressing concern about overdevelopment, rising property control by large investors, and the possible erosion of the town’s traditional character.
At the weekend, Penta representatives held a meeting with residents at the Belmonte Hotel, where information panels and discussions outlined the company’s vision for the site. The developer, which is working in partnership with the municipality and other landowners, said the final concept will emerge through an architectural competition shaped by both expert and public input. Penta’s Jan Vodička told participants that some existing buildings will likely be demolished to make room for new structures but emphasised that the company plans to involve residents at every major stage of the process. Councillor Jitka Hronešová, representing the town, said the city intends to use its share of the land to influence the direction of the redevelopment, with hopes for a pedestrian zone, underground parking, and a public square surrounded by greenery and services.
The project has divided opinion within the community. While city officials see a chance to address long-standing problems such as traffic congestion and fragmented public spaces, many locals view the scale of Penta’s ambitions with caution. Reports from Echo24, Seznam Zprávy, and Krkonošský deník show that some residents and entrepreneurs fear the town could lose its alpine charm if large modern buildings replace older inns and family-owned properties. Concerns have also surfaced over land valuations, with some property owners claiming Penta’s offers for central plots do not reflect fair market prices. Others question whether the municipality will retain sufficient control once construction begins, arguing that major development decisions may ultimately rest with the investor.
A further source of tension lies in the town’s seasonal housing market. Critics argue that Špindlerův Mlýn already has an oversupply of short-term apartments and holiday flats, many of which stand empty outside the winter season. They warn that new residential or hotel capacity could add to this imbalance without significantly improving life for permanent residents. Supporters of the project counter that a well-planned transformation could revitalise the town centre, attract higher-quality tourism, and improve infrastructure through coordinated investment.
The architectural competition, scheduled to open in November 2025 with results expected in mid-2026, will be judged by a panel including architects Eva Jiřičná, Zdeněk Fránek, and Igor Marko, alongside city representatives and landscape designers. The competition is intended to define the area’s future form and function, determining the balance between commercial, residential, and public spaces.
For now, Špindlerův Mlýn finds itself at a crossroads between progress and preservation. The outcome of the competition will show whether the town can reconcile its mountain identity with Penta’s vision of a modern, year-round destination, or whether fears of overdevelopment will continue to shape the public debate.
Source: CTK, Echo24, Seznam Zprávy, and Krkonošský deník
