The former tram depot on Gajowa Street in Poznań’s Jeżyce district may soon be given a second life. Transforming this historic building into a modern service complex is a project that residents and the local community have been waiting for for years. The project’s website, which appeared recently, presents visualisations of the new look of the Depot. The project was developed by the renowned architectural firm Demiurg.
The tram depot on Gajowa Street is the oldest building of its kind in Poznan. The property was owned by the Municipal Transport Company from 1886, and was built on the site of the city’s first railway station. Initially it housed, among other things, a coach house for 20 carriages, a stable for 80 horses and a blacksmith’s shop. In the following years, the depot was gradually modernised until it reached its final shape in 1936. In 1962 the MPK management moved to Glogowska Street and the depot on Gajowa Street gradually began to function as a repair facility for the carriages.
The Gajowa depot in 1924. Source: M. Fuchs Poznan Electric Railway 1924
The historic complex was sold to the Portuguese company REF Eastern Opportunities in February 2008 for PLN 91 million. The last tram left there on 28 December 2010. Since then, the site has stood abandoned, and the Portuguese investor has only implemented part of the plans, building a residential development in the quarter of Kraszewskiego, Sienkiewicz, Prusa and Zwierzyniecka streets. In May 2022, the former depot halls were bought from the Portuguese by Rako Real Estate, a company linked to the Dutch holding company Van Uden. The current plans are to transform the depot into a modern service complex that will resemble Warsaw’s Hala Koszyki. The aim is to create a space where there is something for everyone – from culinary experiences to cultural inspiration. Restaurants, shops, offices and a communal meeting space are to be created within the historic walls.
The depot in 1924 and 2023. Source: Poznan Electric Railway M. Fuchs 1924 and Poznan Scars
The depot now and in the future. Photo: zajezdniajezyce.pl and Demiurg
A grocery shop is planned on level -1, food and beverage outlets will be located on level 0 and offices will be located on the upper floors. Flats will be built on the side of Zwierzyniecka Street. An important element of the project is the preservation of the historical elements of the building. The investor has undertaken to protect the trees growing on the site and to preserve the commemorative tram tracks in the hall. The design by the Demiurg studio emphasises respect for the past and its heritage, while transforming the space into a modern and functional one. The architects plan to preserve the fence and the old trees on the Sienkiewicza side, as well as to create a pedestrian route connecting Sienkiewicza and Zwierzyniecka Streets.
The project is expected to gain the approval of the Municipal Conservator of Monuments. The design process is still underway and certain solutions are still being refined. The investors emphasise that the aim is to bring out the beauty in the building and preserve its historical value. According to Demiurg, more detailed information on the investment should be available by the end of the year.
Source: zajezdniajezyce.pl, gloswielkopolski.pl
Read also: Achitektura w Polsce | Metamorfoza | Renowacja | Miasto | Poznań
