The Polish State Railways (PKP S.A.) have completed a thorough reconstruction of the historic Toruń Wschodni railway station. Thanks to this project, the building from the early 20th century was adapted to modern needs without losing its unique neo-Gothic charm. The renovation proves that with respect for tradition, it is possible to create a space that meets the challenges of today.
Built in 1909, Toruń East Station is one of a dozen or so representative buildings erected between 1903 and 1912 in Pomerania, Powiśle, Warmia and Masuria. Its neo-Gothic style is reminiscent of the iconography of Gothic brick buildings that were the hallmark of the local architecture. The designs for some of these buildings were created under the direction of the same architect who co-designed Gdańsk’s Central Station – Paul Thoemer. Thanks to careful restoration work, the station’s historic splendour has been restored, allowing the bond between a bygone era and contemporary standards to be rebuilt.
Restoration of architectural details
The main element of the project was the comprehensive restoration of the façade, from which faults were removed and defects in the original brickwork were repaired. Special attention was paid by the professionals to the details – the staircase at the front of the building was restored, and the window and door woodwork was made to resemble the historical design. Ornamentation has not been overlooked either – the restored coats of arms and the impressive stained glass window above the main entrance highlight the architectural craftsmanship of the original structure. Like other historic buildings, such as Iława Główna, Pszczółek or Szymankowo, Toruń East Station impresses with its attention to detail.
The façade of Toruń East station in a 2006 photo. On the left the coat of arms of Toruń, on the right the coat of arms of Pomerania, at the top the emblem of Poland:
Modern solutions
As part of the modernisation, the station’s interiors have also been refurbished, introducing a modern design that blends harmoniously with the historical elements. The spacious station hall, which serves as a waiting area, has been equipped with benches, display cabinets with timetables and electronic boards for train arrivals and departures. The restored stained glass windows at both ends of the hall have been preserved to complement the historic character of the building. New toilets and a specially prepared room for a carer with a child definitely enhance the comfort of the building. A convenience store and a space designated as a hostel will also soon be added to the complex.
The renovation of the station was carried out with people with reduced mobility in mind. Solutions such as tactile plan boards, Braille signage, dedicated pathways for the visually impaired and hearing aid amplification devices at the ticket offices have been implemented. Lowered checkout counters and installed lifts also provide comfort for wheelchair users.
In addition, the project has contributed to the building’s energy efficiency. Modern, energy-efficient, automatically controlled lighting, renovated window and door frames, as well as internal insulation of the building allow for the reduction of heat loss. The investment also takes into account environmentally friendly solutions – a rainwater collection tank was built at the station, whose treated water is used to flush the toilets.
Importance of the investment for the city
The reconstruction of Toruń East Station is one of the key investments being carried out in the city. Toruń Miasto station is also being modernised in parallel, so that residents and travellers have the chance to use the modernised, historically embedded facilities. As Paweł Lisiewicz, a member of the PKP S.A. management board, stressed: “Toruń East Station is one of two investments being made in the city, thanks to which Toruń will regain two extremely attractive buildings with highlighted historical details.”
The importance of the investment is also highlighted by the station’s location – situated on the route connecting the Warmian-Masurian and Greater Poland provinces, from which six PKP Intercity trains depart daily bound for Olsztyn and Poznań. The total gross cost of the project amounted to PLN 42 million, and the project was co-financed from the state budget. The investor remains Polskie Koleje Państwowe S.A., implementing the project developed by Transprojekt Gdański sp. z o.o., with works carried out by Budimex S.A. The renovation of the station is part of the larger BiT City II project, implemented by PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe S.A. and the city authorities.
source: PKP S.A.
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