The dilapidated 19th-century railroad station in Dabrowa Gornicza has finally seen a decision to modernize it. PKP S.A. has just announced the date of the tender for the project, which primarily involves renovating the historic building, as well as adapting it to European standards for passenger service.
The building in question is the historic railroad station in Dąbrowa Górnicza, which currently does not fulfill its function due to its poor technical condition. It once housed ticket offices and a waiting room, but now only houses a signal box. The 19th-century building and its surroundings have been in need of renovation for years. PKP S.A. announced its reconstruction as early as 2016. At that time, the decision on the planned demolition was withdrawn and the station was included in the Station Investment Program with the intention of modernization. In 2017, there were even preliminary visualizations of the renovated station, but then the topic fell silent. It was not until the middle of this year that the project for the reconstruction of the building and its surroundings, for which the GPVT Architectural Studio from Poznań is responsible, was completed. As Gazeta Wyborcza reported in May 2020, it was to cost more than PLN 350,000. The completion of the design work allowed the investor to announce a tender for the workmanship, which is expected to start on August 24.
It is worth mentioning in passing that the modernization of the station accompanies another railroad investment in Dabrowa Gornicza, namely the construction of a transfer center, the design of which was prepared by the Mosty Katowice company. The investment is expected to consume PLN 250 million.
Platform at the railroad station in Dąbrowa Górnicza (now).
© Wikipedia (Bastet 78)
The preserved character of the 19th century building
But let's move on to the changes that will take place in the historic Dąbrowa Górnicza train station building as a result of its modernization. As we can see in the visualizations, the exterior of the building will relate to its original appearance of the station. In 1888, the building was virtually entirely constructed of brick.
The building is expected to retain the original brick
vision: GPVT Architectural Studio
The building's facade will undergo a major renovation - the brick will be cleaned and restored, as will the friezes and other architectural details. In addition, the historic window and door woodwork will be restored, as well as the roof sheathing. The renovation of the historic elements will be highlighted by appropriate lighting of the building.
Architectural details undergoing renovation will be exposed by special lighting
vision: GPVT Architectural Studio
Significant changes will take place in the interior of the building. First of all, it will be modernized and, at the same time, adapted to European standards for serving travelers. This space has been arranged in a modern way, but with reference to the 19th century character of the building - a brick motif will appear on some walls. The entire space will be kept in gray. The interior of the station will also feature modern lighting, benches, garbage cans, display cases with timetables and electronic boards of train arrivals and departures. There will also be ticket offices, as well as premises for rent. Other areas will be arranged into technical rooms and offices.
Inside the building there will be a spacious lobby that will also serve as a waiting room
vision: GPVT Architectural Studio
As a result of the modernization, the station will also be adapted to the needs of people with disabilities. A ramp will be built at the main entrance to the building, while pathways for the blind and visually impaired will be created inside. In addition, there will also be Braille signage.
ecological solutions
PKP S.A. also stresses that the reconstruction project places emphasis on ecology and safety. Energy-efficient lighting has been designed in the building and its surroundings, while underground storage tanks have been located to store rainwater used for flushing toilets. A BMS (Building Management System) will be responsible for optimizing electricity, heat and water consumption and the operation of equipment and installations. Security in the building and its immediate surroundings will be ensured by modern systems: monitoring, access control, burglary and assault signaling, and fire protection.
And what will change in the building's surroundings? Greenery will be arranged, new parking spaces and a bicycle shed will be created. One eco-friendly outdoor solution is also planned, namely dry rain gardens of 256 square meters. They will be created with approx. 2,500 plants. Their main task will be to pre-filter rainwater and gradually release it into the soil.
If the tender goes according to plan, construction work is expected to start later this year.
elaborated: Katarzyna Domagała
