A programme to create new green areas will be launched in Bielsko-Biała. Removing concrete paving and replacing it with greenery is intended to help counteract violent weather events such as the June flash flood.
Of course, green squares do not guarantee the occurrence of flooding in the city, but the exposed ground will take in much more water than a paved surface. The announced measure is just one element of sustainable rainwater management. The city has obtained more than PLN 18 million in EU funds for this purpose.
The plan calls for interventions in fifteen locations. New squares, green areas and green bus stops will be created across the city. This amounts to a total of almost 82,000 square metres of space. The green spaces will be able to retain rainwater.
This is to be achieved by water-permeable surfaces and the removal of concrete ones, the reclamation of retention basins, the planting of vegetation that delays rainwater run-off and retains water in the ground, protecting against excessive evaporation, and a minimum of maintenance, including mowing, the city’s website reads.
Officials recall the June flash flood, when one night as much rain fell on Bielsko-Biała as normally falls in a month. An additional benefit of greenery in the city is cleaner air. The new trees will also give a cooling effect on hot days and have a positive effect on the whole ecosystem.
The project includes fifteen locations:
– square in PCK Street – increase in biologically active area by creating a square in part of the former Green Street;
– Juliusz Słowacki Park – enrichment of biologically active area and retention;
– at the junction of Stefanii Sempołowska and Hugona Kołłątaja streets – increasing the biologically active area by creating a square;
– along the Wapienica watercourse, Lajkonik Street – development of a green area;
– at the Bielsko-Biała Electronic, Electrical and Mechanical School Complex – increasing the biologically active area and retention;
– żwirki i Wigury Square – enhancement of biologically active surface and retention;
– park in ul. Stanisława Skarżyńskiego – enrichment of biodiversity and retention of the reservoir and watercourse;
– jordans’ garden in Wyzwolenia Street – enrichment of biodiversity and retention of the reservoir;
– Żywieckie Przedmieście – biodiversity enrichment by extending the existing square;
– at Bohaterów Warszawy Street – biodiversity enrichment by extending the existing square at the Sułkowskis’ Gardens;
– at the junction of Stanisława Wyspiańskiego and Piastowska streets – developing the square by increasing biodiversity and retention;
– wapienica Centrum bus stop – creating a green bus stop;
– cieszyńska – Hulanka stop – creating a green stop;
– at the junction of Lipnicka and Ogrodowa streets – developing a square;
– stop at ul Ignacego Jana Paderewskiego, Befaszczot – creating a green stop.
Implementation of the project Adaptation to climate change in the city of Bielsko-Biała will cost PLN 24 million, of which PLN 18 million comes from the European Funds for Climate and Environment Infrastructure Programme. Work will start in 2025 and be completed in 2026.
project: Olkis Anna
source: Bielsko-BiałaCity Hall
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