The former building of the Katowice branch of PKO BP at the junction of Warszawska and Andrzeja Mielęckiego streets will soon be revived as the Cat’s Palace – a place where gastronomy, music and entertainment will meet in unique harmony. This venture has the potential to become a symbol of modern Katowice, offering a space full of taste, style and energy. The name was conceived by Jose Martinez, CEO and co-founder of Apricot Capital Group, when he met a lonely cat during one of his visits to the edifice.
History of the PKO BP branch in Katowice
The history of the building in which the Cat Palace is being built dates back to the 19th century. It was once the residence of Elias Sachs, the founder of the first banking house in Katowice. It then passed into the hands of Ludwig Katz, owner of a roofing felt factory. In the following years, the building housed, among others, the first headquarters of Polish Radio Katowice and the Bank of Poland. In 2017, it was purchased by Apricot Capital Group, and intensive design and renovation work has been ongoing since then. Today, the investor is revealing details of the project, which has the potential to change the face of the city centre.
1920s, the then headquarters of the Kattowitz branch of the Bank of the Union of the Union of the Polish Industrial Companies (Gëbaude der Kattowitzer Filiale Bank). Source: Polona National Digital Library
The Cat’s Palace – entertainment and gastronomy at the highest level
Spanning over 4,000sq m and four floors, the space of the Palace of the Cat will offer eight different dining and entertainment concepts. Each corner of the venue is designed to be a unique experience. A jazz club on the basement level will introduce guests to the atmosphere of New Orleans, offering unique concerts featuring local and international artists. The ground floor will be filled with the ambience of a morning cafe and bistro, ideal for a quick breakfast or a sophisticated lunch inspired by international cuisine.
The biggest excitement, however, is the fine-dining cuisine offering, which will be managed by Artur Sotto. This chef, who hails from Provence, has gained experience in the world’s best restaurants, working alongside culinary masters. His minimalist yet refined approach to cooking promises an extraordinary feast for the palate. Subsequent floors will offer more casual dining spaces and themed bars, each with a unique character – from classic rock music to sensual art shows on the patio.
A section of the future Cat’s Palace in the 1920s and today. Source: Silesian Digital Library and ireneusz1966/photopolska.eu
Nightlife in the heart of Katowice
The Cat’s Palace will also become the place to be for nightlife enthusiasts. A club on the top floor and a cocktail bar offering original cocktails and a view of Katowice are likely to attract the most demanding guests. For stand-up lovers, meanwhile, a dedicated space has been prepared for performances by Polish comedians.
“The vision we are bringing to life is more than a perfectly balanced mix of culture, culinary experience and community. It is a new showcase for Katowice, a place that will become a must-visit in the Silesian capital. We want to be the vanguard of the new Katowice, we want to give this great city a creative space and an impetus to develop, attract new talent and promote the city,” – says Jose Martinez, CEO and co-founder of Apricot Capital Group. “Our concept also envisages the creation of around 200 new jobs. We know that entertainment, culture and gastronomy create a city where people want to live and where they like to stay. This part of Katowice is blossoming before our eyes, and the Cat’s Palace will make it attractive to another audience, building synergies with the other venues, services and cultural institutions in the area.”
The former bank building now and in the near future. Photo by Arkadiusz K. (Arro)/fotopolska.eu and investor materials
Katowice the city of the future
Already recognised as one of the fastest growing cities in Europe, Katowice is becoming an increasingly attractive place to live and work. Dynamic economic development, low unemployment and a high standard of living mean that more and more people are recognising the potential of the capital of the Silesian Voivodeship. The Cat’s Palace has the potential to become one of its most important symbols, offering a unique culinary and cultural experience that will long be remembered by every visitor.
Source: Apricot Capital Group
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