Władysław Biegański Square in Częstochowa is a representative place in the city centre. On the square there is a historic town hall and, on the opposite side, the Church of St James the Apostle. Originally, the name of the square was St. Jacob’s Market, in the 1930s the place was called Bronisław Pieracki Square. The current name – Władysława Biegański Square – has been in force since 1956.
The last renovation of the square was carried out in 2011. At that time, the road plates that crossed the square on the east-west axis were removed. However, the site was heavily clad in slabs, resulting in an urban heat island. This is now set to change and the site is to be an attractive place to relax among the greenery.
On Friday 12 January, officials at Częstochowa’s Town Hall published visualisations that show the concept for the changes. They were created by architects from the Verso Group. The city will apply for EU funds to help implement the project.
Biegański Square plays a key role as the heart and proud showcase of the city, so its representative character needs to be emphasised. It should also be universal, as it is a place for serious events, e.g. patriotic events, and for entertainment, i.e. concerts large and small, as well as for cultural and commercial events, such as fairs, exhibitions and markets. We want the people of Częstochowa to enjoy meeting here, but also to proudly show this place to their friends from other cities. To attract residents of all ages, we offer a large gazebo, benches, a year-round café and green relaxation areas, including fountains loved by children. Catering in this case is essential, as are shaded rest areas. There will be more trees and vegetation,” said Częstochowa Mayor Krzysztof Matyjaszczyk during the presentation of the concept.
The concept envisages the reconstruction of the revival in its historic location. Today, the urban complex of the Town Hall is incomplete. The town hall and guardhouse were built between 1828 and 1836 to a design by Franciszek Reinstein. The new building of the town hall is to look as it did in the past. Inside, restaurants and cafés are to be built.
While working on the design for the changes, the architects analysed comments made by local residents. Many of the comments were made by the Civic Association of the Friends of Częstochowa, the Democratic Association of the Republic of Poland, the Municipal Services Centre or the Urban Planning and Urban Development Office.
Animation of the square:
The new concept is to create green islands in the square. The space will be complemented by ponds, a water curtain and installations along which climbing plants will grow. Important in the concept is the creation of new service establishments to attract residents to the centre. When will the redevelopment be completed? The city would like to hand over the new square to the inhabitants in 2026 for the 200th anniversary of the merging of the old Częstochowa and Częstochówka.
project: VERSO Group
source: CzęstochowaCity Hall
Read also: Squares, Squares, Parks | Greenery | City | Renovation | whiteMAD on Instagram
This is how the place looks today:
