The Warsaw mayor announced the start of reconstruction for a portion of Plac Defilad, known as Central Square, with a plan to replace expansive concrete with a vibrant, inviting green space. City activist Jan Śpiewak responded briefly, reiterating that the concept originated from civic initiatives aimed at removing the heavy concrete footprint from the area.
The mayor stated that the project would transform vacant concrete surfaces into a modern, green space designed to benefit both residents and visitors. Śpiewak recalled in an interview that the 2017 proposals for Central Square were heavily dominated by concrete structures.
During a campaign with Miasto, the group joked about the controversy. After pushing for ideas for a Central Park concept and inviting public input, greenery began to appear. Up to that point, plans favored an all-concrete square intended for multimedia events, a shift Śpiewak described as a response to public pressure.
The activist emphasized that the change was driven by civic action and argued that the city hall subsequently organized a new competition under public pressure. He remarked that the outcome reflected the community’s idea and participation.
Śpiewak acknowledged the value of adding greenery but pointed out that the sizeable concrete parking area nearby remains an issue, noting that it does not negate the benefits of the new green space.
He also commented on the surrounding areas, including the skyline around the Palace of Culture and Science, calling for more greenery and suggesting a return to the Central Park concept as a broader urban relief.
Transformation of Plac Defilad
At a press conference, the Warsaw mayor outlined plans for a green, well-kept square that also honors the city’s history. The prewar street pattern would be reimagined, while the square itself would become more modern and expansive, a change intended to uplift the entire city center. The surrounding streets are slated for renewal, reflecting a belief that Warsaw deserves a refreshed civic core.
The project will introduce lawns totaling several thousand square meters and feature more than 40 species of bulbous plants and perennials. In addition, 11 types of shrubs and 109 trees — including black locusts, ashes, honey locusts, dogwoods, grujeczniks, ginkgos, and magnolias — are planned to enhance biodiversity and beauty.
Rainwater will be harvested in four retention tanks on the square to irrigate the greenery, with depths reaching six to eight meters. The construction will use six stone varieties, much of which has been reclaimed from the site’s demolition, with one third of the stone recovered and the rest supplemented by Scandinavian graphite-toned stone in gray, red, and green hues.
Old tenement outlines will be recreated with large-format natural stone slabs in varying colors, while the former courtyards will be paved with recycled granite blocks sourced from Plac Defilad and enhanced by granite slabs from the area around the grandstand. The street layout from 1939 will be echoed in the stripes of granite blocks, preserving historical references within a modern design. The project is planned for completion by the end of July next year.
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Source: wPolityce