Very slowly, but the first effects are already visible. "Renaturalization" of the banks of the Warta River in Poznan does not promise to be perfect, but still the result of the work already done looks much better than the concrete wharves. There is also finally a chance to renovate the retaining wall at the old port.
On World Water Day, we take a look at the progress of work on - as it has been somewhat exaggeratedly called - the renaturation of the Warta riverbed in Poznań. On the 2.5-kilometer section between the Old Town and the Przemysl I Bridge, the massive and dilapidated concrete bands, with the help of which the river was "channelized" more than half a century ago, are no longer partially haunting. They are replaced by gabion baskets and mattresses filled with humus and stones and planted with greenery. On the eastern right bank of the Warta River, partial results are finally visible. The waterfront is already greened and - even with the still sparsely grown vegetation - looks much better than on the western side, where the concrete is still to be removed. The footprint of the waterfront path, which will be paved with gravel, is already marked out. Slips, stairs and landings are almost ready. The left bank, however, is still primarily a construction site.
a little closer to nature
We reported in detail about the plans and completion dates last year. The finale of the very slow-moving activities is expected to take place this autumn. For that to happen, the pace would have to pick up considerably. In recent weeks, the work has again been hampered by high water levels, as was the case last year, but even so, not many workers can be seen on the banks.
1. The ruined east bank during the ongoing reconstruction;
2. a "renaturalized" and greened section of the eastern bank
Photo: Jakub Głaz
On the other hand, the effect of what has already been done gives hope that being on the Warta River, which in the last decade has returned to the good graces of Poznan citizens and city authorities (including investments in pedestrian and bicycle paths, city beaches, and the successful revaluation of the former river baths of 1927) will become even more pleasant. The outline of the future path and the greenery reaching almost to the water's surface gives, to some extent, the illusion of communing with a natural shoreline, although this orderly shape is far from the purely nature-formed sections of the Warta River in the never-abated northern and southern sections.
1. the "renaturalized" and greened section of the eastern bank near the park along the PIastowski estate;
2. the still intact concrete band between the Królowej Jadwigi (pictured) and St. Roch bridges
photo: Jakub Głaz
One can also breathe a sigh of relief, as the visions spread by naturalists will probably not come true to a large extent. They claimed that the gabion baskets would become a reservoir of trash and cigarette butts. The densely greened part of the shore, however, is probably not threatened by this. Only the lower stone parts may be problematic, but - perhaps - greenery will spontaneously appear within them as well.
sloppy and without an idea
Larger deficiencies, however, can be seen within all concrete elements. The stairs, landings and slips are sloppily made, and in places the concrete is already damaged. This only reinforces the unfavorable assessment of those portions of the waterfront implemented without a refined concept with architectural character. It is very unfortunate that Wody Polskie, which is carrying out the entire investment, has not been successfully persuaded by the city authorities to have the stairs and other waterfront "gallantry" designed with attention to form and detail. Both the city and the investor, however, have a chance to make up for these shortcomings during the planned "renaturalization" of the section between the fork of the Cybina and Warta rivers and the railroad bridge crossing Ostrów Tumski. For now, there is no funding for it.
1. The basin of the former river port at Szyperska Street. Visible retaining wall and buildings that "cut off" residents from the waterfront;
2. restored building of the river baths on the section between bridges Przemysl I and Królowej Jadwigi. The building mainly houses offices and - so far - does not have an offer that would attract Poznań residents.
photo: Jakub Głaz
Many good ideas can also still be worked out within the former river port, at which a simple marina with a food court has recently stood. Indeed, there is a chance that in the near future a major renovation of part of the high retaining wall on the west side of the port basin will begin after years of anticipation. The structure, which is in a very poor technical condition, is to be renovated this year. The structure will be strengthened, the brick walls will be restored, and a stone cap with balustrades will be reconstructed on its top.
time for a creative connector!
The next step should be to start work on the design of a boulevard running along the wall, which could serve as a link between two sections of the Wartostrada, a pedestrian and bicycle route implemented in stages along the river. It's not an easy task, however, because the land adjacent to the port has been developed, gone into private hands, and the fenced bank is inaccessible to passersby. The promenade would have to be a structure running along the wall and seated in the bottom of the harbor basin. More than a decade ago, this solution was proposed by one of the student works. It is worth revisiting this creative idea - preferably by launching an architectural competition.
