One of Poland’s mightiest industrial relics is in line for a stunning makeover after plans were announced to transform its vast, abandoned shell into a state-of-the-art cultural center.
First founded in 1857, the cement factory in what is now Grodziec, southern Poland, became only the fifth plant in the world producing Portland cement, and the first in the entire Russian Empire.
Aggressively expanded in 1925, its production capacity soared from 54,000 tons per year to 130,000. By 1933, this figure had swelled even further to 230,000 tons. Although subject to historical debate, some sources claim that it was in this plant that cement was manufactured for many of Poland’s pre-WWII fortifications.
Taken over by the state after the war, by 1955 the factory was producing 382,000 tons of cement.
Aggressively expanded in 1925, its production capacity soared from 54,000 tons per year to 130,000. By 1933, this figure had swelled even further to 230,000 tons. Although subject to historical debate, some sources claim that it was in this plant that cement was manufactured for many of Poland’s pre-WWII fortifications.
Taken over by the state after the war, by 1955 the factory was producing 382,000 tons of cement.
The plant ceased operations in 1979 after nearby mining work had rendered the ground unsafe for heavy-duty industry. Empty ever since, the deserted plant still cuts a fearsome silhouette on the Silesian skyline.
A firm favorite with urban explorers, instances have been reported of daredevil ‘free climbers’ scaling its soaring chimneys unhindered by safety harnesses.
Seen almost as symbolic of Silesia’s industrial decline, the plant now appears to be on the verge of a second life after a tender was announced for a first stage investment that will include the development of an open-air cinema, a gymnastics hall, a library, restaurant, and theater.
Worth a projected 94 million złotys, this first stage will be followed by a second wave of development that will see the addition of conference facilities and a museum of industry.
According to local authorities, the area will also include parkland and feature ecological solutions such as rainwater retention systems, photovoltaic panels and electric vehicle charging stations.
Previously, plans had been discussed to turn the plant into a garden city, and also a cultural park, only for these to be quietly shelved.
A firm favorite with urban explorers, instances have been reported of daredevil ‘free climbers’ scaling its soaring chimneys unhindered by safety harnesses.
Seen almost as symbolic of Silesia’s industrial decline, the plant now appears to be on the verge of a second life after a tender was announced for a first stage investment that will include the development of an open-air cinema, a gymnastics hall, a library, restaurant, and theater.
Worth a projected 94 million złotys, this first stage will be followed by a second wave of development that will see the addition of conference facilities and a museum of industry.
According to local authorities, the area will also include parkland and feature ecological solutions such as rainwater retention systems, photovoltaic panels and electric vehicle charging stations.
Previously, plans had been discussed to turn the plant into a garden city, and also a cultural park, only for these to be quietly shelved.
Source: www.portalsamorzadowy.pl
