Chmielna Street, one of the busiest and most recognisable places in Warsaw’s Śródmieście district, has undergone a major redevelopment that has radically changed its image. The street gained not only an aesthetic appearance, but also new functionality. As a result of the just-completed renovation, Chmielna has become a green promenade, full of trees, bushes and space for relaxation. This change is part of a wider project to revitalise the New Centre of Warsaw, which is turning the heart of the city into a friendly space for its residents.
Chmielna was for many years seen as an unattractive, neglected and degraded street. The renovation carried out in the 1990s quickly lost its significance, and the space itself did not meet the expectations of modern users. Thanks to a new redevelopment project developed by the Public Land Management Board of the City of Warsaw and cooperation with the Mazovian Voivodeship Conservator of Monuments, Chmielna has gained a completely new character.
The street before renovation. Photo: Google Maps
The revitalisation of Chmielna Street is part of a larger project to transform the very centre of Warsaw. The initiative, known as the New Centre of Warsaw, is the flagship project of the capital’s mayor, Rafał Trzaskowski. The aim of the project is to transform the city’s central areas into comfortable and functional spaces that will be resident-friendly while also becoming attractive to visitors to the city. Streets such as Bracka, Polna or the so-called Five Corners and Three Crosses squares have already undergone a metamorphosis.
One of the most important elements of the modernisation of Chmielna was the care for greenery. The street, where before the renovation it was practically impossible to find vegetation, now impresses with tall trees and lush bushes. The newly planted promenade now features plane trees, elm trees, cherry trees, lime trees and robin trees, among others. As many as 88 trees were planted, as well as 32 magnificent solitary shrubs. In total, more than 7,500 shrubs, bushes and perennials are growing on Chmielna, giving the space a changed, green character.
As part of the upgrade, a drainage system was installed to store the ‘rainwater’ that goes into the root zones of the trees, while excess water is discharged into the sewerage system. In addition, an irrigation network was created to ensure that plants are properly watered during periods of drought.
The modernised Chmielna is not only about greenery, but also about improving the quality of public space in terms of comfort and aesthetics. As part of the works, the surface of the street was replaced, replacing the existing concrete cube with granite slabs. The reclaimed material was reused in, among other things, the pavement strips.
The reconstruction project also included small architectural objects to improve the comfort of users. New benches, bicycle racks, wooden platforms, as well as stone posts and waste bins have appeared in the street. A fountain has also been created in the square next to the Atlantic cinema, which will be launched in the spring. It is worth noting the modern LED lighting that has been installed throughout the street. Lanterns on poles and accent lighting, such as the low illumination of the greenery and the pendant lights in the Bukinist square, create a new, friendly atmosphere in the evening.
The Chmielna modernisation project took into account the needs of various user groups. The increased number of pedestrian spaces, the replacement of the pavement and the installation of small architecture have made the street more stroller-friendly. The new geometrical solutions also take cycling into account, providing adequate space for two-wheeled traffic. The reconstruction also took into account the issue of parking. As part of the traffic reorganisation, parking spaces were made for people with disabilities and posts were installed to prevent parking in inappropriate places.
The work on the redevelopment of Chmielna lasted less than a year and was carried out by the Balzola consortium. The renovation covered an area of almost 10,000 square metres, which posed a major logistical and technical challenge. During the preparations for the investment, the city authorities and the contractors carried out extensive consultations with residents. During May 2023, as many as seven meetings were held to collect comments and proposals for the planned works.
After the renovation, Chmielna has become a place that attracts Warsaw residents and tourists. The street, full of greenery, new street furniture and leisure space, will be even more popular in the warmer months, but it is already worth taking a walk to discover the effects of this metamorphosis.
Source: Warsaw City Hall
Read also: Places, Squares, Parks | Warsaw | Woonerf | City | whiteMAD on Instagram
