There is a trend of modernizing forts all over the country. Along with valuable green areas, they are gaining new life. Forts are no longer just military museums. Refurbished post-military buildings are increasingly serving city residents. It was decided more than 10 years ago to renovate the beautiful Sokolnicki Fort, located in Zoliborz. It was supposed to serve the residents, meanwhile, in their opinion, it has become a venue for commercial events and luxury weddings.
It was supposed to be a center for the local community
If I remember correctly, Sokolnicki Fort was leased in April 2012 for 10 years. We have 15 months left on the contract. Before the end of the contract, it is worth asking residents what their expectations are for the place. A decision will have to be made about Sokolnicki Fort later this term. It should be made now," wrote Żoliborz Councilman Grzegorz Hlebowicz (PiS) to Żoliborz Mayor Paweł Michalec.
But, when the renovation of Fort Sokolnicki was planned those 10 years ago, the facility was to become a cultural and entertainment center of Zoliborz. At a cost of less than PLN 20 million, the Fort regained its splendor and was ready to participate in the life of the local community. A glass roof structure was built over the courtyard, and the ground was paved, while the walls were painted white and red brick was left in the caponiers. On the Internet, one can find many verbal and visual announcements from those years about how the Fort is poised to become the heart of Zoliborz, a district full of artists and vibrant people.
photo by Jolanta Dyr Wikimedia Commons
The popular Citadel, not for everyone
The building was constructed in the 1830s and 1840s. The Citadel primarily served prison and police functions. In reality, however, it had no real possibility for any defense of the city by its exposed location. So they proceeded to build more fortifications, extending in front of the Citadel's outline, the Fort. Today, the buildings are used for catering establishments and an art gallery. The current functions are not conducive to the development of the local community, do not integrate, do not provide educational, cognitive opportunities. One gets the impression that the Fort is dead in its own way.
Activists, artists, residents, councilors....
Activists are calling on officials to discuss the future of Sokolnicki Fort. Well-known and unknown residents of Zoliborz stand behind them, providing petitions and a letter to the Mayor of the Capital City of Warsaw. Next year, the current tenant's lease on the monument in Warsaw's Żoliborz district ends.
For many months we have been trying to start a discussion on the fate of the Sokolnicki Fort - both as a building (for whose condition the district is formally responsible) and as a location for a cultural unit. The inspiration came from an open letter published in January by dozens of artists connected with Żoliborz, addressed to Mayor Trzaskowski, asking him to place the headquarters of the Żoliborz Cultural Center in the building. The letter did not receive a response, but due to the fact that it was initiated by Councilwoman Jolanta Zjawinska (KO), we felt that the topic had been called to the stage for public discussion. The district council provides an opportunity for joint meetings of the district board, the city board, councilors and residents to hear their wishes and learn about opportunities," writes district councilor Marta Szczepanska on the City Is Ours website.
This place should serve the local community. We are an amazing district full of ceramic studios. there are a lot of them, and this is our strength that not many people know about. it is also worth noting that in the era of pandemonium, the building remains closed," the councilwoman told Radio for You, "This is the time to plan further activities. If this 10-year lease is passing, then the future of Sokolnicki Fort should be discussed now. It is not my will to impose an opinion on what should be there. Residents should be asked about such issues.
other priorities
In an interview with Radio for You,Michal Krasucki, the capital's conservator of historical monuments, responds simply to the appeals of politicians, residents and activists. There are now other priorities in the capital's budget. The Zoliborz district office responds that it does not yet have a definite position on the future of Sokolnicki Fort.
Aren't people the priority of a well-functioning district?
