The local government of Lodz has announced that later this year it will begin a project to revitalize the Old Market Square. According to visualizations, the space will be refreshed in a decent way, it will gain new elements of small architecture and, most importantly , new greenery. This is yet another area in Lodz where new trees are to appear and another covered by the revitalization program.
The streak for greening the city continues in Lodz! We recently wrote about the 20,000 trees that will be planted in the form of rows along several two-lane roads. Now the local government announces another project in which greenery will play an important role. The Old Market Square will be renovated. The revitalization project, developed by Polska Inżynieria, has already been approved. The tender to select a contractor is expected to start soon.
Recall that the Old Market in Lodz is also linked to the difficult history of World War II. It was there that the ghetto was located, which was demolished along with the synagogue. After the war, during the reconstruction of the city, it was decided that a park and new tenement houses would be built there, which are still standing today.
Old Market Square in Lodz today
© UM Lodz
A refreshed Old Market a new tourist attraction?
Adam Pustelnik, the first deputy mayor of Lodz, announces that the deserted and neglected space of the Old Market after renovation will gain new energy and become a place attracting residents and tourists.
The renovation of this space is the beginning of changes in this place, forgotten, and devoid of life... However, one thing we can say - it's time for changes in the Old Market, which will become after the reconstruction one of the biggest attractions not only for the citizens of Lodz, but also for tourists ," he says.
A visualization showing the new look of the Old Market in Lodz
vision: Polska Inżynieria
In turn, Piotr Kurzawa, manager of Piotrkowska Street, known for his local social initiative "Live Piotrkowska," predicts that the refreshed space of the Old Market will be an ideal place for cultural initiatives and meetings.
I am convinced that from 2023 this place will be vibrant. Among the new proposals will be: eco fairs, flower exchanges, food kiosks and stands with products of Lodz artists. We are creating a new fashionable place on the map of Lodz, this is where you will be able to come for coffee, this is where you will be able to relax after shopping in Manufaktura. We are also planning to organize an international book fair, a large, public event dedicated to books, the like of which does not exist in our city ," he mentions.
renovation, greenery and shining fountains
But let's get down to the specifics, that is, the project's objectives. In addition to the repair work, there will be a lot of new elements of small architecture in the space. In the central part of the Old Market there will be two fountains, each with four illuminated water features. To the north of the fountain's location will be a relocated obelisk commemorating the granting of city rights to Lodz. It will be placed on a reinforced concrete pedestal and encased in a reinforced concrete prism with granite slabs.
Greenery is to play a significant role in the project
vision: Polska Inżynieria
As for the issue of greenery, a bet has been made on greenery made of common ash trees: some 2.5 meters high, others 3.5 meters. Six of them will stand near the fountain. In addition, new plantings of common maples are planned on the western side. Benches will be placed between the greens. There will also be canopies and spaces adapted to the needs of people with disabilities.
Two rows of canopies, seven in each, will be created between the greens located in the central part and those located on the eastern and western sides of the square. All existing stairs will be replaced with ramps with a slope of no more than 6 percent in order to allow access to the square for people with disabilities , the local government of Lodz informs.
The refreshed space of the square is expected to become more attractive for Lodz residents and tourists
vision: Polska Inżynieria
Old Town Park redevelopment
On the occasion of the revitalization of the Old Market, the Lodz authorities have also announced the reconstruction of the Old Town Park, which is adjacent to the market. Among other things, the park plans to replace the entire pavement, eliminate steps, plant new trees, refresh lawns and put up small architecture elements. The PM Projekt company is responsible for developing the park reconstruction project.
New trees will be planted in the Old Market Square, so that together with the existing ones they will take the shape of a horseshoe open to the Old Town Park. It will be a commercial and exhibition space, but it will not lack what we all need and fight for - greenery, " announces Adam Pustelnik.
Work on the Old Market space is scheduled to begin later this year. They are expected to last until 2023.
