In Łódź, with the arrival of spring, intensive demolition work has begun to remove buildings that threaten the safety of residents and passers-by. Although the city makes every effort to protect historic buildings, this is not always possible. Many of the buildings, erected back in the heyday of the textile industry, do not meet modern building standards. Due to significant wear and tear on materials and makeshift repairs, they pose a real danger, which is why the demolitions taking place in Łódź since March are usually the only sensible option.
Demolitions in Łódź – safety priorities
The Municipal Premises Board in Łódź has decided to demolish as many as 150 buildings in 2025. Intensive work has been going on since March, and the list of buildings to be demolished includes tenements on Wojska Polskiego, Rzgowska and Sporna Streets. Work is currently underway at 112 Wojska Polskiego Street and 23 Poznańska Street. Further demolitions will take place at 63 Brzóski Street, 38 Kasztelańska Street, 10 Zdrowie Street and Rzgowska Street at the junction with Kosynierów Gdyńskich Street. Work is also planned at 14 Pomorska Street, 13 Wojska Polskiego Street, 77 Przybyszewskiego Street and 34 Wigury Street.
Why can’t everything be saved?
The city makes great efforts to protect historic buildings, but this is not always possible. The main reason for the demolitions is the terrible technical condition of a significant proportion of the buildings. Many of them were built about 150 years ago and have only been repaired on an ad hoc basis for decades. Maintenance or comprehensive renovation would be costly and would not always guarantee full safety. In addition, some of the buildings stand in areas that are attractive for investment, prompting them to be earmarked for new residential development that will be of better quality and serve more people.
Tenement house at 77 Przybyszewskiego Street to be demolished
Demolitions in Łódź mean new spaces for residents
The spaces created after demolitions are being used for new housing developments and recreation areas. The city also relies on green squares and playgrounds to provide respite for Łódź residents. Such solutions allow for the creation of a friendlier urban space, but at the same time they mean the irrevocable disappearance of some of Łódź’s monuments.
Development at the expense of history?
Although decisions on demolitions are dictated by safety and functional considerations, there is no shortage of criticism. Sometimes the question arises: did each of these buildings really have to be demolished? These are difficult dilemmas facing modern cities – they have to reconcile development with the protection of cultural heritage. Despite efforts, it is not always possible to find the golden mean.
Source: lodz.pl
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