The multifunctional, ecological and green district of Katowice—Nowy Wełnowiec—developed on a 30-hectare site by Capital Park Group, has been awarded the international BREEAM Communities Interim certification. This marks the first large-scale mixed-use project in Poland to successfully complete the pre-certification process.
BREEAM Communities is one of the most prestigious and demanding certifications worldwide for assessing urban development projects. At the initial stage, when an investment is in the design phase, the Interim certificate is awarded—and this is precisely the distinction Nowy Wełnowiec has already achieved. At the next design stage, the investor plans to apply for the BREEAM Communities Final certification, with the ambition of attaining the Excellent level.
The certification process considered numerous criteria, including an integrated design approach, stakeholder engagement, and sustainability aspects. The concept of Nowy Wełnowiec and the range of solutions planned for the project were therefore of key importance, demonstrating that the development integrates environmental, social and economic dimensions—the very essence of BREEAM Communities.
“Nowy Wełnowiec is not only a large-scale investment, but also an example of how a contemporary approach to urban planning and social responsibility can jointly shape the future of Polish cities,”
says Sylwia Filewicz, Director of Investment Delivery and Project Lead for Nowy Wełnowiec at Capital Park Group.
“This project reflects our vision in which modern spaces coexist harmoniously with the needs of the local community and the environment. Receiving the BREEAM Communities Interim certification—one of the most prestigious distinctions in the field of sustainable development—is proof that we have chosen the right direction. This recognition not only fills us with pride, but also motivates us to continue creating spaces that are friendly both to residents and to the natural environment,” she emphasizes.
This new green district of Katowice will be developed on a revitalized site of the former Silesia Metallurgical Works, between Wojciech Korfanty Avenue and Konduktorska Street. It will be an open, harmoniously planned area where vehicular traffic will be eliminated from public spaces and relocated to level –1. This solution will enable full use of the surface for recreation and leisure amid lush greenery, while ensuring freedom and safety of movement for residents, employees and visitors.
Across the 30-hectare area, approximately 300,000 sqm of above-ground usable floor area will be created, with residential uses accounting for the largest share. The district will also be enriched with functions such as dining, retail, entertainment and services, as well as educational and cultural spaces. Greenery and recreational areas will cover as much as 10 hectares, including a 4-hectare central park, squares, plazas, flower meadows, lawns, wooded zones and water features. Underground parking facilities and electric vehicle charging stations will be provided for motorists, while cyclists will benefit from dedicated, user-friendly infrastructure.
Nowy Wełnowiec responds to contemporary social and climate challenges—another key aspect at this stage of certification. The project assumes the implementation of technologies that reduce the environmental impact of buildings while ensuring comfortable living conditions for residents. Planned solutions include Poland’s first centralized system for waste management and rainwater retention, the use of renewable energy sources, as well as green roofs and terraces to mitigate the urban heat island effect. Green areas designed in accordance with biodiversity principles and adapted to local climatic conditions will also be created, while fully underground vehicular traffic will significantly enhance the quality of public spaces.
In the planning process for Katowice’s new district, the opinions of residents—collected during consultation meetings—will play an important role, helping to tailor urban solutions to their expectations and everyday needs. Community engagement will not end at the design stage; the investors plan regular initiatives in the future to enable co-creation and further development of the district, ensuring it responds to the needs of the local community.
The investor has already commenced preparation of the construction design for the first phase of the project—the central area, covering 7 hectares. This phase will include residential buildings with services, dining, retail and entertainment units, public squares and a portion of the central park. Construction is planned to start in 2026. In 2025, renovation works will begin on the historic compressor house, which is scheduled to be put into use in 2026. The investor has already obtained a permit to modernize this building, which is intended to become one of the symbols of the new district.
The architectural concept of Nowy Wełnowiec was designed by JEMS Architects, while the certification process was carried out by Sweco Polska.