Biegański Square in Częstochowa is soon to undergo a redevelopment, the main aim of which is to remove the concrete from a significant portion of the area. The square was last modernised in 2011. At that time, vehicular traffic was removed to make way for an extensive surface of granite slabs. The upcoming project aims to rectify the mistakes of years past and transform a large part of this space into lawns and flowerbeds with trees. The cost of the redevelopment will amount to PLN 37.6 million, of which approximately PLN 25 million will be covered by EU funding. The work is scheduled for completion by the end of 2028.
Biegański Square – history
The history of Biegański Square dates back to 1823. At that time, during the urban redevelopment of Częstochowa, St James’s Market Square was laid out according to a design by Jan Bernhard. The new space connected the Old and New Towns, marking the axis of today’s Aleja Najświętszej Maryi Panny. Between 1828 and 1836, a classical-style town hall designed by Franciszek Reinstein was built on the square; it has survived the vicissitudes of history and stands there to this day. In the 19th century, this urban forum resembled a garden, rich in trees, lawns and places to rest. Its boundaries were marked by elegant tenement houses and residences, lending the whole area a unique charm. Later, a period of change arrived. After 1870, an Orthodox church was built on the site of the former St James’s Church; following the restoration of independence, it was converted into a Catholic church. In the 20th century, the square changed its namesake many times: from Bronisław Pieracki, through Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin, to its current name commemorating the eminent Dr Władysław Biegański, bestowed upon the site in 1957. The destruction of the Second World War and subsequent reconstruction and modernisation gradually altered the character of the square and the amount of greenery, in favour of an open space surrounded mainly by blocks of flats.
Biegański Square and the 2011 redevelopment
In 2011, the first such thorough redevelopment of the square in many years was carried out. At that time, traffic was removed, the paving was laid with granite and the infrastructure was reorganised. Initially, the outcome of the project was very well received. Over time, however, its weaker aspects began to emerge. The large, virtually treeless and lawnless space offered no respite from the summer heat and actually deterred residents. This provided the impetus for further changes, which, however, were slow to materialise. It was not until after 2018 that the first greenery and street furniture began to appear, but the scale of these measures proved insufficient. The authorities in Częstochowa therefore decided on a major redevelopment, intended not only to rectify past mistakes but also to transform Biegański Square into a genuine, vibrant space for everyone and for every season.
How will Biegański Square in Częstochowa change?
The upcoming redevelopment moves away from the dominance of hard surfaces. The proportion of green space will increase significantly, and the square will be enriched with new trees, green areas and low vegetation. The northern and southern parts in particular will be complemented by relaxation areas with natural shade. A key change will be the addition of two fountains situated along the axis of Aleja Najświętszej Maryi Panny. The square will also feature a new service pavilion, a shelter and new street furniture. Planters with greenery will be placed along Śląska, Kilińskiego, Dąbrowskiego and Nowowiejskiego Streets, creating a clearer separation between pedestrian and vehicular traffic. The entire project will be implemented based on the concept by Grupa VERSO, selected through public consultation.
Design by Grupa VERSO
The project’s designers placed great emphasis on rainwater management. Their concept involves permeabilising the square’s paving and constructing rain gardens to retain and collect water. This water will be used to water the greenery, thereby reducing resource consumption and improving the condition of plants during periods of drought. The Grupa VERSO studio’s project forms part of initiatives funded under the FEnIKS programme, which focuses on adapting cities to climate change. The grant agreement was signed on 13 April at the headquarters of the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management in Warsaw. The signatories included Robert Gajda and Łukasz Kot, Deputy Mayor of Częstochowa.
Once all work is complete, which is scheduled for the end of 2028, Biegański Square is set to become a significantly cooler space on hot days, better prepared for heavy rainfall, and more welcoming to the residents of Częstochowa, tourists and pilgrims.
Source: Częstochowa City Council
Design: VERSO Group
Visualisations: VERSO Group
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Biegański Square before and after redevelopment. Photo: Google Maps and VERSO Group
