The end of skyscrapers in Wrocław? The councilors banned construction higher than the sixth floor. These are buildings that are being built under the so-called Lex Developer Act. The regulation will come into force in November. The city talks about “blunting the irrational ideas of some investors.” Material from the “Poland and World” magazine. The entire edition is available on TVN24 GO.
New blocks of flats yes, but not skyscrapers – Wrocław changed the rules under the Lex Developer Act. It is about building housing estates in post-industrial areas under special conditions.
– This is due to the need to curb the excessive appetites of some investors – says Michał Guz from the press office of the Wrocław City Hall.
These are projects that, according to the city, did not fit the city. – There were some very irrational ideas of some investors, to build 14 floors, where the surrounding infrastructure was absolutely not prepared for it – points out Michał Guz.
Dispute between Wrocław councilors
The topic divided the councilors. – Now we are suddenly introducing standards. This is some kind of joke, says councilor Michał Kurczewski from Law and Justice. – I do not know what the intentions are to introduce these standards, but I have serious doubts about these intentions and about the treatment of investors in Wrocław – he adds.
– It's always better late than never. And it is never too late to civilize spatial development standards in the city – says councilor Robert Suligowski from the Civic Coalition.
According to the Lex Developer Act, you can build up to 21 storeys. However, the councilors of the capital of Lower Silesia lowered the limit to seven (ground floor and six floors).
– It's a bit sad, because the supply of new construction areas in Wrocław is limited in advance, and it is worth saying that only in the last year the construction areas in Wrocław have increased by almost 15 percent, which shows that there is a shortage of them – says the vice-president of the Polish Association of Developer Companies. Konrad Płochocki.
Wrocław prohibits the construction of skyscrapersTVN24
– We have already completed three investments and suddenly changes are being introduced in this area. This is unequal treatment of business entities – emphasizes Łukasz Kasztelowicz, chairman of the club PIS in the Wrocław City Council.
– In order to blunt the ideas of some investors, we decided to introduce these criteria – explains Michał Guz.
– We do not prohibit the construction of skyscrapers in Wrocław. We do not prohibit the development of the development market beyond seven floors, argues the vice-president of Wrocław, Michał Młyńczak.
The rules that will apply from the beginning of November do not apply to all investments, but to those that are to be built under the terms of the special development act.
Kielce is going up
Building skyscrapers is already a trend – not only in the largest agglomerations. Kielce has already approved several buildings well over 10 floors. There are more projects on the table.
– We are of the opinion that nowadays it is better to density the buildings than to spread the city into peripheral areas, because it also involves specific costs for the city in terms of public services – points out the mayor of Kielce, Agata Wojda.
– In fact, from the point of view, above all, of ecology, our cities will definitely climb higher and higher – says Konrad Płochocki.
Councilors of Katowice and Rzeszów agree on skyscrapers
In Katowice, councilors are also in favor of skyscrapers, but not necessarily in the center – on the outskirts. This week they will decide whether they will agree to one of the buildings.
– Councilors look at what investors propose and what the expectations of the public are. At the moment, it seems that the application will be rejected, but it raises many doubts – says Katowice councilor Łukasz Borkowski.
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The skyscraper in Rzeszów is also controversial. It has 41 floors and was approved by the previous authorities.
– The city wants to go in the direction that it will not completely prohibit such tall buildings – says Katarzyna Leśko, director of the architecture department of the Rzeszów City Hall. He points out that “however, it should be done in a thoughtful way and, above all, through urban planning competitions.”
It doesn't always have to be high, but always at a high level.
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