Zielony Rynek in Łódź is set to undergo a major redevelopment, which aims to transform this, one of the city’s oldest marketplaces. As part of the works, the “MAŁA 2” hall will be given a completely new look, a multi-storey car park will be built behind it, and there will be more green spaces and open areas for residents. The city aims to preserve the market atmosphere of the site, whilst improving the shopping experience and making everyday shopping more convenient. The project will be carried out as a public-private partnership, whilst ensuring the market continues to operate as normal.
Zielony Rynek: over 150 years of history
The history of Zielony Rynek, also known as Rynek Barlickiego, dates back to the second half of the 19th century. The market was established in the developing district of Wiązowa as Rynek Wiązowy, forming part of the regular urban layout of the western part of Łódź. In 1873, the square was renamed Zielony Market, most likely after the nearby Zielona Street or the local trade in fresh produce. During the German occupation, it was known as Grüner Ring, whilst in 1934 it was named after Ignacy Boerner. After the Second World War, the square was named after the socialist activist Robert Barlicki. Despite these changes, the people of Łódź still most commonly refer to it as Zielony Rynek or Rynek Barlicki.
The wooden hall: a symbol of the market
The market has been operating continuously for around 150 years. Initially, traders met twice a week; later, they met every day. The stalls were dominated by vegetables, fruit, dairy products, meat and produce supplied by local farmers, and over the years the range of goods on offer expanded to include clothing, footwear, household goods and handicrafts. For most of the 20th century, the square remained an open-air market with wooden and metal stalls; it also featured a fountain and a bus terminus. At the start of the 21st century, covered halls and new pavilions were built. During the forthcoming modernisation, the impressive wooden vaulted ceiling of the main hall will be preserved; beneath it, there will be new stalls, wide aisles, rest areas and more greenery.
Changes are coming to Zielony Rynek in Łódź
The redevelopment will transform the appearance of the entire complex. An openwork façade will be created facing the street, whilst the ground floors will be opened up and converted into retail and service premises. A key element of the entire project will be a multi-storey car park with space for at least 120 cars. This will provide visitors with more convenient access to the market, whilst reducing traffic on the surrounding streets. The whole project is designed to create a more functional space for traders, residents and customers visiting Zielony Rynek every day.
The city will remain the owner of the market
The works are being planned with the ongoing involvement of the traders. The local authority is holding discussions with trade associations and independent traders, jointly determining how the project will be carried out and the future layout of the market. The redevelopment will not disrupt trading – traders will move their stalls in stages to the next completed sections of the complex, without having to close their businesses. The project will be carried out under a public-private partnership. The selected partner will prepare the documentation, finance the project, carry out the construction work and, for a specified period, be responsible for maintaining the facility. The city will retain ownership of the market and will continue to act as its organiser, ensuring that the traditional function of the Zielony Rynek is maintained.
source: Łódź City Council
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Zielony Rynek now and after redevelopment. Photo: Google Maps and Łódź City Council
