The company Wrocławska Rewitalizacja has announced a tender titled 'Developing a project documentation for the waterfront of the Oława River in Wroclaw' to select a contractor for the architectural and construction concept.
On Monday, October 5, during a special press conference held during a river cruise, representatives of the city spoke about the details of the investment. The city's revitalization program of Przedmieście Oławskie has been running for 2 years - read more about Przedmieście Oławskie. Now is the time for the Oława River, which flows there. Just 50 meters from a street full of cars, ul. Traugutta, you can see species of flora and fauna, which no one would have expected in a city centre of a busy city, including herons, swans, beavers and turtles.
The waterfront of the Oława was once teeming with life. Residents walked the boulevards, spent their free time on sports grounds, used the beach and swimming baths. In the postwar years the area has been forgotten, which contributed to its present exceptional character to some extent. A special microclimate was created. Revitalization of Olawa's waterfronts is to preserve all this,' says Grazyna Adamczyk-Arns, president of the company Wrocławska Rewitalizacja.
A characteristic element of Przedmieście Oławskie is dense development and few green areas. We will change this through revitalization of the waterfront of river Olawa,' adds Adam Grehl, deputy mayor of Wroclaw.
Revitalization of Olawa waterfronts - one of the flagship projects of Wroclaw
The plans include recreational areas, meadows, space for running, cycling and walking, bridges over the water and viewpoints. The river has to be a place for recreation, but also for learning about nature. Educational pathways for students are also considered.
'We want this to be one of the city's flagship projects. In Nadodrze we have revitalised backyards, and in Przedmieście Oławskie it will be greenery,' points out deputy mayor.
The first stage will include the area between the bridges Oławski and Rakowiecki. On October 5, Wrocławska Rewitalizacja has announced a tender to select the contractors for the architectural and construction concept.
'Development of quays will be a lengthy and complex process, hence Wrocławska Rewitalizacja prepared a master plan, which will facilitate the implementation in a coordinated and consistent manner, setting the main objectives and design guidelines for the area,' explains Grażyna Adamczyk-Arns.
The contractor is to be selected by the end of this year. The year 2016 is earmarked for design works, and at the turn of the year 2017/2018 construction works are scheduled to start. In subsequent phases, revitalisation of the Oławka swimming bath and the Oława River up to the Wschodni Park is expected.
'Investment costs will depend on the concept of choice. The municipality's own contribution is reserved in the city's long-term investment plan. We also count on EU funds,' says Adam Grehl.
The design process will be accompanied by a public consultation
'We want the design process to be an element of communication and dialogue with the residents. We want the changes to be accepted by the citizens of Wroclaw,' says Adam Grehl.
New housing estates on the Oława face the river
Revitalization of Przedmieście Oławskie
In fact, this is a small town within Wroclaw. It covers an area from the city moat to ul. Krakowska. That's over 100 hectares and 24 000 residents.
Jarek Ratajczak
Video and photo: Arkadiusz Cichosz
