In August last year, we wrote that there were two concepts for developing Popiełuszko Square. The first involved transferring the property to a private investor, while the second considered establishing another municipal company to develop the square. The city authorities chose the first option. A fully fledged shopping centre is to be built on Bolesławiec’s most attractive site in terms of investment potential.
The City Council adopted a resolution initiating the preparation of a new spatial development plan for Popiełuszko Square. The draft plan will be available for inspection at the city office until 19 August. Until 2 September, residents of Bolesławiec will be able to submit comments on the draft. If the councillors approve the plan, the property may be sold at the end of 2008 or the beginning of 2009.
The document provides for the construction of a facility with a sales area of more than 2,000 m², with a maximum of five storeys. Parking spaces will be built in the underground levels. “The plan is being changed so that a fully fledged shopping centre can be built,” Piotr Żak, the city architect, told the IstotneInformacje.pl portal. However, it is not known whether such a shopping centre will actually be built. The property’s purchaser will have many options. They will be able to provide retail, catering and hotel services. “The range is very broad,” the architect admits.
The municipal government wants to use the proceeds from the sale of the square to build a water park. Officials do not want to reveal its location yet. It will probably be built on the outskirts of the city—in a wooded area rather than between blocks of flats. According to Piotr Żak, facilities of this type are generally not built in the very centre of a city.
In addition to two swimming pools—one large and one small for learning to swim—the water park is to include two water slides. Plans also include a jacuzzi, fitness room, sauna, squash court and cycling paths. Design work on the facility is to begin this year. “There will definitely be a swimming pool,” the architect assures us.
(GA report)